Australian companies will supply components for new build AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, including the 29 aircraft Australia is buying in place of its smaller fleet of Airbus Tiger helicopters.
Under the deal signed today between defence company Boeing and the Commonwealth of Australia, Australian advanced manufacturer Thomas Global Systems will design and manufacture cockpit avionics for the global fleet of AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Australian firm Cablex will manufacture cabling for all new Apaches.
This is a first for Australian aviation industry which has manufactured components for the F-35 and other US-manufactured aircraft but never for the Apache.
For Australia’s 29 Apaches, four companies, Cablex, Ferra, Axiom Precision Manufacturing and Mincham, will supply wiring harnesses, electrical panels, the vertical spar box, machined parts, fairings and composites.
The supplier contracts come under an Australian Industry Capability (AIC) Deed for the Apache Program signed at the Avalon Airshow by Major General Jeremy King, Head of the Australian Defence Force's Joint Aviation Systems Division and Kathleen Jolivette, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Vertical Lift.
Major General King said Defence had worked diligently with US Army, Boeing and local industry to ensure the best capability for the ADF.
“We look forward to continuing to work together through this agreement signed today to seek further opportunities for local industry involvement in both the production of Australia's Apaches and the broader global fleet product and support activities,” he said.
“By partnering with the Australian government and investing in local businesses including small-and-medium enterprises, this agreement will help create jobs, develop Australia’s aerospace and manufacturing capability, and grow the local economy,” Ms Jolivette said.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said this was a really important announcement which would generate jobs for Australian industry and help secure our nation.
“The Deed will underpin Australian industry contribution to the production of the Apache fleet, creating new opportunities, expected to bring millions of dollars to local defence industry companies,” he said.
In another announcement concerning Australian industry, Boeing announced that its supplier base for the new MQ-28 Ghost Bat had grown by 60 per cent and now stood at 55 companies.
“The support of agile local suppliers has been vital to the rapid manufacture of this revolutionary uncrewed aircraft and its payloads, which will support a range of missions,” said Glen Ferguson, Boeing Australia director of the MQ-28 Global Program.
“The Boeing MQ-28 program proves Australian industry can create a seamless link between airpower capability needs, local innovation and job opportunities.”
Boeing said aircraft development was progressing, with a robust flight test program under way and validation of the aircraft’s operational capabilities in an all-digital environment to refine mission sets.