D efence
ACCELERATING CAPABILITY
LOYAL WINGMAN FLEET TO DOUBLE
The Morrison Government will accelerate the creation of a $1 billion Sovereign Guided Weapons Enterprise, boosting skilled jobs and helping secure Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities. The Department of Defence will now select a strategic industry partner to operate a sovereign guided weapons manufacturing capability on behalf of the Government as a key part of the new Enterprise. The new Enterprise will support missile and guided weapons manufacturing for use across the Australian Defence Force. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said creating a sovereign defence industrial capability was a key priority for the Government while also creating new opportunities for jobs and small business growth. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute has estimated that Australia will spend $100 billion in the next 20 years on missile and guided weapons purchases. Commonwealth of Australia.
Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, has confirmed the Federal Government will invest a further $115 million to procure three additional Loyal Wingman aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force, doubling the size of the fleet. This is in addition to the $40 million already invested in the program, as part of a broader effort to assess the benefits of enhanced interoperability between piloted and remotely piloted air team systems in support of Australia’s defence and national security objectives. According to Defence, the investment will ensure ongoing support of the current workforce and key industries, including advanced mission system software development, high technology aircraft manufacturing and uncrewed aircraft flight testing. The news comes after Boeing confirmed completion of its first Loyal Wingman in March, taking off and landing at the Woomera Range Complex, South Australia. The flight marked the first time in over 50 years since an Australian-designed military combat aircraft performed an inaugural flight in Australia. Head of Air Force Capability, Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts AM, CSC acknowledged the magnitude of the achievement and congratulated the team on their success. The Loyal Wingman will have a range of more than 3,700 kilometres and is designed to fly, as a partner, with crewed Air Force platforms. Commonwealth of Australia.
HMAS Stuart conducts a live Harpoon Missile firing off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2020. Defence image.
LOCKHEED MARTIN AUSTRALIA WINS CONTRACT TO FIGHT IMPROVISED THREATS The Morrison Government has announced a $9 million boost to Australia’s defence industry to develop an integrated system that can detect and neutralise improvised threats. The contract, awarded to Lockheed Martin Australia’s Science, Technology, Engineering Leadership and Research Laboratory was given as part of Defence’s Counter Improvised Grand Threat Challenge initiative. It includes a US$3 million financial and technical contribution provided by the United States’ Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the contract, funded through the Next Generation Technologies Fund, was important in helping to keep the men and women of the Australian Defence Force safe. Commonwealth of Australia. 54
Boeing Australia, Airpower Teaming System – ‘Loyal Wingman’ conducts its first flight at Woomera Range Complex, South Australia. Defence image.
INDIGENOUS COMPANY AWARDED KEY CONTRACT An Indigenous construction company has been awarded the head contract to build a $23.9 million assembly and maintenance facility in NSW for one of Australia’s most successful defence exports. In a major jobs boost, National Aboriginal Construction Partners (NACP) Projects is expected to employ around 200 workers during construction of the Nulka Missile Assembly and Maintenance facilities, at the Defence Establishment Orchard Hills.
