The Australian government announced it has signed a four-year extension to Boeing Defence Australia’s contract to maintain Super Hornet and Growler aircraft at the Amberley air force base.
Defense industry minister Melissa Price MP welcomed the extension to the Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract and said it was an endorsement of Boeing’s performance and support of local workers.
“The contract, valued at AU$280 million, provides a highly-experienced maintenance, engineering, supply, project management, and weapon system integrator workforce to defense,” Price said.
The latest contract follows an earlier $264 million order signed in 2016 for an initial five-year period.
“Australian industry workforce is vital to the ongoing sustainment and regular upgrades critical to the Super Hornet and Growler capabilities,” minister Price said.
Over 90 per cent of the Air Combat and Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract is being delivered by Australian industry by 230 Boeing Defence Australia and sub‑contractor personnel, based in the Amberley region.
The Australian Air Force has 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets, and 12 EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. The Super Hornet will eventually be replaced by the F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets.
