PETER LA FRANCHI / CANBERRA
Australian government considers transport options under reworked acquisition plan
Airbus Military is pushing for an Australian government commitment to acquire A400M transports within the next 18 months in return for a "level one" work share of 5-10% over 25-30 years.
The proposal, which is modelled on Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter industrial participation, was made by Airbus Military officials during industry briefings in Australia this month.
Airbus Military's proposal comes as Australia enters the final phases of reworking its 10-year Defence Capability Plan, with additional airlift emerging as a core requirement. The Australian government is also considering whether to exercise its options for additional Lockheed Martin C-130Js, which expire on 1 January, 2003.
Australian defence minister Robert Hill acknowledges the need for more transport capability, possibly including a new heavy airlifter, while senior Royal Australian Air Force officials have voiced their support for an A400M-class aircraft.
Airbus Military marketing director David Jennings says Australia is being offered "part of this action at the top level, but in return for a rapid decision to join the programme". He adds: "What I mean by rapid is within about an 18-month timescale. We can keep some of these work packages open. We can offer a level one responsibility in terms of work packages to Australian industry."
Jennings says the most likely model for Australian industry participation would be to select a prime subcontractor through which all domestic supplier arrangements would be directed. "We can see a work package in the order of 5-10% for Australia depending what the initial [RAAF] order would be."
Australia's revised 10-year acquisition plan is due for release in the first quarter of 2003, but some data may be revealed in December.
Source: Flight International
