E-7A Wedgetail buy by UK reflects on Australia

The United Kingdom today announced that it has signed a contract with Boeing to acquire five E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.

Digital composite image by CONTACT

Australia’s Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne and Minister for Defence Industry Linda Reynolds welcomed the announcement and said the acquisition represented an acknowledgement of the world-leading nature of the Wedgetail aircraft.

“Wedgetail is a true Australian success story – designed for the Royal Australian Air Force with support from more than 200 Australian companies,” Minister Pyne said.

“It is now a world-best platform providing cutting-edge airborne surveillance, communications and battle-management systems.

“Like the Australian acquisition of the Hunter Class Frigate, the UK acquisition of Wedgetail aircraft will enhance the ability of our two nations to operate seamlessly together.”

Minister Reyonlds said the UK acquisition was also expected to be a significant win for Australian defence industry.

“The UK acquisition is expected to deliver 100 jobs to the Brisbane- and Newcastle-based staff of Boeing Defence Australia, taking advantage of their world-leading capabilities in systems and software engineering and deep experience in Wedgetail support, including ground-based aircrew training,” Minister Reyonlds said.

“Further opportunities – including for the more than 200 Australian companies that have contributed to our own Wedgetail acquisition and sustainment – will be available for Australian industry in the supply chain.”

 

RELATED STORY:

• • See CONTACT’s comprehensive report on E-7A Wedgetail, here
  • Read about CONTACT’s flight onboard a Wedgetail, here

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