Boeing Defense Australia has secured a significant $400 million contract from the Australian government. The contract is intended for the maintenance and upgrade of the Royal Air Force (RAAF) fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fighter jets. The contract extension was announced on January 6th, 2024, and is an extension of the current agreement between the Australian government and Boeing. The extension is expected to last for five years, and it has been granted to Boeing Defense to ensure the longevity of the highly skilled workforce at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland until 2030.
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As per the agreement, Boeing will be responsible for managing the engineering, maintenance, and project management for the sustainment and upgrade of Super Hornets and Growlers. Boeing has been responsible for the Air Combat and Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract since July 1st, 2016, for an initial period of five years. The current extension is the second one, bringing the overall contract value to $800 million.
The new agreement reflects the critical role of the Super Hornets and Growlers in the Australian Defense Force's air combat capability and the country's commitment to strengthening its Defense industry. A robust Defense industry is crucial to protecting Australians and their interests, as well as contributing to regional stability. The Australian Minister for Defense Industry, Pat Conroy, commended Boeing Defense Australia and all Defense industry partners involved in maintaining and sustaining the Super Hornet and Growler fleets. The minister emphasized that the contract extension would ensure the long-term retention of a highly skilled workforce at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.
The EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack capability has achieved final operational capability. The Airborne Electronic Attack capability includes 12 EA-18G Growler aircraft, the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, and the AGM-88 series of anti-radiation missiles. It is operated by No. 6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. The contract extension is timely as it comes when the EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack capability reaches final operational capability.