By staff writer.
The Australian Government has signed an Australian industry capability deed around its acquisition of 29 Apache helicopters and confirmed an expanded range of Australian suppliers involved in the multi-billion dollar Ghost Bat UAV program.
The Australian defence industry minister, Pat Conroy, made the announcement alongside senior officials from Boeing and the Australian Defence Force at the Australian International Air Show at Avalon outside Melbourne on March 1, 2023.
The capability deed will see Boeing use Australian suppliers for the planned Queensland-made AH-64E Apache Armed Reconnaissance helicopters. Cablex and Thomas Global Systems will manufacture helicopter cabling and cockpit avionics components. At the same time, Cablex, Ferra, Axion Precision Manufacturing, and Mincham will supply wire harnesses, electrical panels, vertical spar box, machined parts, fairings and composites.
“This capability deed is all about driving opportunities for Australian companies in the supply chain for the helicopters and the sustainment of them,” said Conroy. “This is a really important announcement that will generate jobs for Australian industry as well as securing our nation.
The Apache helicopters will replace the Australian Army’s existing Tiger helicopters, with the first deliveries due in 2025. The supplier contracts are part of an agreement signed between Defence Australia and Boeing at Avalon that further embeds the Australian Global Supply Chain Program into Boeing’s supply chain. Conroy also said that the number of Australian suppliers involved in the Ghost Bat program has increased by 60%.
“There are 55 Australian companies involved in supporting Boeing,” he said. The 38-foot-long Boeing-developed MQ-28 Ghost Bat made its Australian public debut at Avalon. The Australian Government is initially spending AU$600 million on the joint venture with Boeing Australia, with the Queensland manufacturing currently under construction. All up, the Ghost Bats will cost Australia approximately AU$4.2 billion.
Speaking at a media conference on Wednesday, Conroy declined to put a firm delivery date on the first Ghost Bat, calling such discussions “premature.” However, defence industry insiders say it will be at least another decade before the Ghost Bat goes into operation for the ADF. The Ghost Bat will be the first combat aircraft built in Australia in over half a decade.
Boeing says Ghost Bat’s development is progressing well, with a flight test schedule underway. Validation of MQ-28’s operational capabilities in an all-digital environment to refine mission sets is also ongoing.
“The Boeing MQ-28 program proves Australian industry can create a seamless link between airpower capability needs, local innovation and job opportunities,” said Glen Ferguson, director MQ-28 Global Program at Boeing Australia.
Boeing has a large presence at the Avalon Air Show. While it is highlighting its advanced pilot trainer and UAVs, the manufacturer also has what it calls a “robust line-up of platforms” on display, including the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, E-7A Wedgetail and P-8A Poseidon.
“Boeing has a longstanding relationship with Australia,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift. “This is just another step in that relationship to bolster the cooperation between us.”
The Avalon Air Show is open to registered industry participants all week before opening to the public between March 3-5, when Boeing will join other manufacturers in demonstrating the capabilities of their aircraft.
