The Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Greg Combet this week announced today the award of an In Service Support contract for the Royal Australian Navy Seahawk Helicopter fleet to BAE Systems Australia Ltd.

“The new contract commencing in April 2010 is worth approximately $208 million dollars over the initial term of seven years, and has extension options available. It will provide engineering, maintenance, and some supply services to the Navy,” Combet said.

The new contract will support more than 100 jobs and construction of a new aviation support site easing service support for the Navy fleet of 16 Seahawks to be maintained until they are withdrawn from service.