BAE Systems Australia has been selected to deliver operational maintenance for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Hawk 127 lead-in fighter fleet, increasing the scope of the company’s current in-service support contract.

From the beginning of July next year, 116 new employees will deliver all maintenance support for the Hawk on the flightline at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Pearce. This support includes aircraft launch and recovery, on site management support and deployment operations. With this change to the existing contract, BAE Systems will be providing a total sustainment solution, managing both deeper and operational maintenance, the company stated. The new arrangements are set to be phased in from October.

“By building on the unified approach we have with the Department of Defence to deliver Hawk deeper maintenance, our operational maintenance solution enables a more holistic approach to Hawk support that maximises aircraft serviceability for less cost,” said BAE Systems Australia director for Aerospace Steve Drury.

In a separate statement, Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews said the change will enable the RAAF to redirect personnel in support of other priorities, including the F-35.