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The Albanese government has reinforced the future of the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft with a $569 million contract, securing hundreds of highly skilled jobs in the Hunter region of NSW.
The contract with Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) will fund enhancements to both the aircraft and ground systems, ensuring this critical capability is upgraded and maintained over the next decade.
The investment will provide job security for hundreds of workers in Brisbane and Adelaide, as well as in the Hunter region of NWS, where it will support 170 jobs alone. This is in addition to the approximately 360 existing Defence and industry personnel who support the Wedgetail fleet at RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles stressed the importance of this investment in the Wedgetail capability for the Royal Australian Air Force, saying, “The Wedgetail is one of the most advanced in-air battle management capabilities in the world. This will not only contribute to the security of our region but helps support Australian defence industry and secure jobs.”
A cornerstone of Australia’s integrated air and missile defence capability, the E-7A Wedgetail delivers vital situational awareness and airborne command and control. The fleet of six aircraft is operated by No. 2 Squadron, based at RAAF Base Williamtown.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said, “The hundreds of high-skilled jobs secured by this additional funding are part of the more than 10,000-strong workforce employed in the defence industry in the Hunter. This funding supports a critical capability that keeps Australians safe but is also critical for the financial security of hundreds of people across the country, including in the Hunter.”
The Albanese government has emphasised that this investment is part of its broader commitment to strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence industry and ensuring a future made in Australia.
Darryn Fletcher, BDA director of E-7 Programs, welcomed this investment in the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail fleet, saying, “This funding extension demonstrates the value of Australia’s E-7A Wedgetails to allied forces and secures Boeing Defence Australia’s ability to keep the platform mission-ready and able to meet the challenges of the changing battlespace.”
The Wedgetail provides Australia with the world’s most advanced airspace battle management capabilities with the capacity to coordinate a joint air, sea, and land battle in real time, significantly increasing the effectiveness of the Australian Defence Force.
Wedgetail is based on Boeing 737-700 aircraft platform and incorporates a variety of aircraft control and advanced radar systems. The Wedgetail combines long-range surveillance radar, secondary radar, and tactical/strategic voice and data communications systems to provide an airborne early warning and control platform.
During a standard mission, the E-7A Wedgetail can cover more than 4 million square kilometres, an area the size of Western Australia or the Northern Territory. It is capable of unlimited long-range deployment with in-flight refuelling.
