Dr Brendan Nelson announced that the Government has
given first pass approval for AIR 7000 Phase 2 – a $4 billion
project for Defence to acquire a manned Maritime Patrol and Response
Aircraft (MPRA).
The manned MPRA, in conjunction with the Multi-mission Unmanned
Aerial System being acquired by Defence under AIR 7000 Phase 1,
will replace the capability currently provided by the AP-3C Orion.
The AP-3C Orion is planned to be retired in 2018 after
over 30 years of service.
First pass approval has been granted to allow Defence to commence
formal negotiations with the United States Navy (USN) to participate
in the cooperative development of the P-8A Multi-mission Maritime
Aircraft (MMA).
Following an exhaustive examination of available options,
the USN chose the Boeing Company to develop the P-8A MMA based on
its 737 commercial aircraft. The P-8A MMA offers a modern, highly
reliable commercially-proven airframe with the latest maritime surveillance
and attack capabilities.
The P-8A will be equipped with modern Anti-Submarine
Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance sensors that have evolved from proven systems. The
P-8A will be capable of broad-area, maritime, littoral and limited
overland operations.
Through its participation in the proposed cooperative
development of the MMA, Defence will assist in providing opportunities
for Australian industry as well as gain an ability to positively
influence development of the MMA Program. |
