Bae Systems Australia awarded Hawk contract extension

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, and the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, on 27 February announced the signing of a contract extension with BAE Systems Australia for in-service support of Royal Australian Air Force Hawk lead-in-fighter aircraft.

“This $245 million contract extension provides for a two year extension to the existing in-service support arrangements for all current work out to 2022,” Minister Pyne said.

“The contract extension provides ongoing certainty to Defence and Australian industry.”

Minister Ciobo said the contract extension was an example of Defence working well with industry.

“The contract extension follows outstanding collaboration between Defence and BAE Systems Australia over the current contract period,” Minister Ciobo said.

“It will secure the ongoing employment of over 325 industry personnel across Australia.”

Operated by Numbers 76 and 79 Squadrons at RAAF Bases Williamtown (NSW) and Pearce (WA), the Hawk fleet comprises 33 aircraft to train qualified RAAF pilots to operate the next generation of fighter aircraft, including the Joint Strike Fighter, Super Hornet, and Growler.