White Paper - one year on

A design review for the Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft, upgrades of the F/A-18 Hornet fleet and testing of the new AGM 142 air-to-surface missiles are among major White Paper initiatives in its first year.

But a focus on people issues is one of the key document's policy-related reforms.
Defence, through the White Paper, now has long-term financial support to provide over the next 10 years the capability, training and resources to meet the Government's needs.

What does the White Paper offer Air Force people?
A Defence People Committee (DPC) was established in March to provide a strategic focus and link to the importance of people in maximising Defence capability. The committee is not only responsible for setting and managing the agenda for strategic people issues across Defence, but for determining a range of people initiatives, funded from an allocation of $100 million this year and $100 million a year for the three following years. This is in addition to the existing Defence personnel budget.

Initiatives include; enhanced access to childcare around Australia; a spouse induction program; an emergency childcare initiative for members suddenly a year for the next three financial years, has been provided for the cadets in schools program.

Increase in capability
The preliminary design review for the AEW & C aircraft has been successfully completed on schedule. The project involves acquisition of four of these aircraft to start entering service around 2006, which will make a major contribution to air combat capability, significantly multiplying the combat power of the upgraded F/A-18 Hornet fleet.

Progress on the Hornet upgrade is also continuing, with 46 aircraft modified with new mission computers and software.

The structural refurbishment program for the F/A-18s has been reviewed with initial contracts expected this year.

Testing of the AGM 142 air-to-surface missile is continuing following arrival of training dummy missiles and other support equipment at RAAF Amberley and the Joint Ammunition Logistic Organisation at Orchard Hills near Penrith.

Advice has been obtained from industry on the cost, capability and an acquisition strategy to enhance the ADF's air-to-air refuelling. Up to five new generation tanker/transport aircraft will be sought by 2006 to replace the existing B707 aircraft which are now operationally limited. The new aircraft will also be required for strategic airlift support of deployed ADF forces.

A new radar warning receiver has been successfully integrated with the F-18 Hornet avionics suite in a laboratory environment in preparation for integration flight tests later this year.

Compiled by Terry Bransdon