Super Hornets from 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 2016. (Defence)
The federal government has signed a new contract for the provision of sustainment services for the F/A-18F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack aircraft, Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne announced during a visit to Brisbane.
The contract is valued at about $264 million for an initial five-year period; the arrangement with Boeing Defence Australia involves subcontractors including Raytheon Australia, Northrop Grumman Australia and Pacific Aerospace.
Minister Pyne toured RAAF Base Amberley and received briefings from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) commanders.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to visit RAAF Base Amberley, not just because it is important for me to understand how the Air Force manages its operational capability, but also how Australian industry provides the support we rely on,” the Defence Industry Minister said.
Pyne also met with a number of defence industry businesses, organisations and Queensland state government representatives, and visited small arms and ammunition supplier NIOA.
Christopher Pyne sitting in a Super Hornet at RAAF Base Amberley. (Defence)