28 January 1998

IDA Contract Signature

On 28 January 1998, the Minister for Defence, Ian McLachlan MP, announced the signing of three contracts each valued at $8.5 million, for initial design work on the Airborne Early Warning and Control Project (AEW&C). Under the contracts, companies will provide detailed designs and plans of the AEW&C system they are proposing for the Australian Defence Force.

The project, approved by the Minister in December 1997, is for the purchase of six or seven aircraft, the number depending on the supplier, simulators included, overall support and other facilities.

"Major Australian aerospace and electronics companies are taking leading roles in the work, which will result in three advanced designs for new, cost-effective AEW&C types," the Minister said.

"A large number of small to medium enterprises in the defence industry sector across Australia are involved, with the number set to increase as the project develops."

The three contracting teams are headed by large US defence companies - Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon .

"The teaming approach to the project will ensure Australia has the technology and industry ability to develop and support the AEW&C system here," Mr McLachlan said.

The final decision on the type of AEW&C will be made in 1999, after initial design work is completed and assessed.