BAE Systems has been selected to provide Deeper Maintenance (DM) for the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) fleet of CH-47D Chinook helicopters.
Managing director Jim McDowell said the decision underscored BAE Systems Australia’s record of success over the past 14 years as the DM provider for this critical battlefield and support aircraft.
The initial six-year performance-based contract, with options for up to 20 years, requires BAE Systems Australia to provide scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, engineering and logistics support services from its base in northern Queensland.
The initial $20.9 million contract will support a total of 23 jobs, mainly in Townsville.
“It consolidates BAE Systems Australia’s reputation in this area, following its successes in December 2009 in winning support and maintenance contracts valued at $240 million for the Army’s Black Hawk and Navy’s Seahawk fleets," McDowell said.
“Successful conclusion of this contract, and the existing Seahawk and Black Hawk contracts means BAE Systems Australia will be well placed to provide future support for all ADF rotary-wing aircraft.”