The final Nulka missile decoy to be produced under contract with BAE Systems Australia has been delivered, with plans underway to develop the next generation of the system under Project Sea 1397 Phase 5B.
BAES Australia is the prime contractor responsible for the design, development, integration and support of the Nulka system. Full production under the current contract began in 1999 and has been supported by a broad Australian and US industry supply chain. Final assembly of the decoys was completed at Defence’s Mulwala munitions factory in regional NSW.
“Valued at more than $1 billion, the current contract covered the manufacture of over 1,400 Nulka decoys, spares and support equipment for the United States Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy,” Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said.
He added acceptance of this final Nulka decoy does not represent the end of the Nulka program nor Australia’s Nulka partnership with the US.
“The long term relationships established through this highly successful program will continue with the development of the next generation of Nulka ensuring the jobs of around 100 Australians,” Mr Pyne said.
“Payload development and testing for the next generation of Nulka decoy to meet emerging threats is underway in conjunction with the United States with testing to date being successful.”
A second pass decision on Project Sea 1397 Phase 5B (Nulka missile decoy enhancements) is expected in 2018.