BAE Systems Australia and L-3 [LLL] MAS Canada recently confirmed their selection to provide long-term maintenance and modification support for Australia’s F/A-18 Hornet fighters.
“The awarding of this contract is another example of BAE Systems’ ability to provide best value through life support for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF),” Jim McDowell, BAE Australia’s managing director, said. “It further strengthens our already significant readiness and sustainment capability,” he added.
The four-year initial contract period runs from 2009-2012 and has extension options until 2018, with a potential total value of about $122 million.
According to McDowell, the contract was a key element in sustaining the fast jet support capability that BAE and L-3 have established in support of the critically important air combat capabilities of the RAAF.
“This is a great partnership specifically tailored to meet the client’s requirements,” Sylvain Bedard, president of L-3 MAS Canada, said. “BAE Systems Australia and L-3 MAS are very complementary and were able to offer best value to the Commonwealth.”
McDowell said the contract would also see BAE expanding its workforce by another 40 positions at its Williamtown facility. The investment in enhancing the skills of the technical workforce and the building of new facilities at Williamtown provides the basis for future support not only of the RAAF Hornet aircraft but also the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) that will eventually replace them, he added.
“BAE Systems plans further investment to ensure that Australia has the capability for in-country indigenous support of the fifth generation JSF that will form the mainstay of the nation’s air combat capability,” McDowell said.