BAE SYSTEMS Relationship With US Primes Goes From Strength To Strength In Australia
13 Jun 2005
Partnering agreements signed between BAE Systems and US Primes for the support of Wedgetail and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft are already resulting in real opportunities for the company in Australia.
BAE Systems Australia, which has signed a partnering agreement on behalf of Australian industry, has been asked to lead a JSF Industry Coalition. This aims to streamline, promote and foster co-operation within Australian Industry and act as the principal contact in communications with the Australian Department of Defence and the Lockheed Martin JSF Team. The agreement includes both sustainment and follow on development.
BAE Systems Australia has been working with Lockheed Martin to explore the potential application of electronic warfare technology to the aircraft. It is also responding to a request for proposal from Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems to supply Electro Optic Distributed Aperture Sensors (EO DAS) for the platform.
Jim McDowell, chief executive officer of BAE Systems Australia said: “The development of long-term relationships with the Australian and US Governments and Lockheed Martin early in the system’s lifecycle, is key to ensuring Australian Industry is positioned to meet future RAAF requirements and win additional work as part of the globally competitive JSF program. The contract we have been awarded and the one we are bidding offer huge potential for involvement globally. Where possible we will leverage BAE Systems’ tier one position on Team Lockheed Martin, to build Australian Industry’s involvement”.
BAE Systems Australia’s World Wide Teaming Agreement with Boeing is also paying dividends. The company is now providing Airborne Early Warning & Control capability in Turkey and pursuing export opportunities in Italy and Korea as the result of the agreement, under which the companies will work closely together to capture future global airborne early warning and control business, potentially worth millions of dollars.
Jim McDowell said: “There is clear export potential for the Wedgetail system. Our position as a lead supplier to Boeing for electronic warfare and ground support systems and our performance on the Australian contract have enabled us to become an integral part of the program, at the start of what is expected to be a long export trail. The relationship also provides excellent opportunities for involvement in Air 7000 should the Australian Government decide to join the US Navy’s Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) program”.
The Boeing-led team, including BAE Systems, is already developing an airborne early warning and control system for Australia’s Project Wedgetail. Australia has purchased six aircraft and support packages. Delivery of the first two aircraft currently being modified in Seattle is scheduled for 2006, with the other four aircraft to be delivered by 2008.
Turkey is under contract for four 737 AEW&C aircraft, and mission system design activities are well underway. BAE Systems Australia is already supporting Boeing on this contract. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2007.
Both teaming agreements were signed during the Avalon Airshow, in Victoria, Australia and coincided with the first visit of a Wedgetail aircraft to Australia.
Notes to Editor:
JSF
The four founding members of the JSF Industry Coalition are BAE Systems Australia, Boeing Australia Limited, Thales Training and Simulation and Mincom. They will work with Australian Industry to provide ‘best value’ sustainment and follow-on development capabilities to Australian JSF aircraft and potentially JSF aircraft on deployment in or operated by other countries in the region. The partners are working with Defence to investigate the potential for a JSF International Pilot Training Centre in Australia.
Project Wedgetail
BAE Systems Australia is providing the ground element, comprising two mission support segments, an operational mission simulator and is responsible for the supply and integration of electronic warfare self-protection and electronic support measures.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space.
BAE Systems North America is one of America’s foremost national security, aerospace, and information systems companies. It is a leading provider of electronic and information-based systems and knowledge-based solutions that meet its customers’ mission effectiveness and operational safety needs. BAE Systems North America employs more than 30,000 people at sites across the United States and the United Kingdom and generates more than $5 billion in annual sales.
For further information, please contact:
Mike Sweeney, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0)1772 856034 Fax : +44 (0) 1772 852713
mike.sweeney2@baesystems.com
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