PETER LA FRANCHI / CANBERRA
Spending boost also funds radar enhancements but some army programmes deferred
The Australian government has given funding approval for the A$1.7 billion ($925 million) purchase of five in-flight refuelling aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force as part of the latest defence budget released on 14 May.
Approvals worth some A$400 million were also given for up to 12 additional utility helicopters for the Australian Army and an initial purchase of Raytheon Standard SM-2 surface-to-air missiles for the Royal Australian Navy. Around A$180 million has been earmarked for new electronic warfare self-protection suites for Lockheed Martin C-130H/J Hercules, Boeing CH-47D Chinooks, Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawks and Westland Sea Kings.
Australian defence spending has increased in net terms by A$726.5 million to A$22.5 billion. Capital equipment spending has increased by A$135.1 million to A$3.58 billion in the Australian 2002-03 financial year. However, A$150 million in new project approvals, predominantly army requirements, have been deferred until the 2003 budget.
An undisclosed number of classified projects have also received funding, with this partially reflected in an 11.9% increase in intelligence spending to A$442 million - Australia typically hides its classified surveillance and intelligence gathering projects within the block intelligence allocation.
Total RAAF operational funding allocations have risen to A$5.47 billion, up 2.2% on projected spending for the financial year ending 30 June.
Some A$60 million has been allocated to studies for the RAAF's Air 6000 future fighter programme, additional funding for the RAAF's long-delayed AGM-142 missile programme and for increased stocks of air-to-surface weapons. The budget papers confirm the RAAF is yet to finalise a baseline for the integration of the AGM-142 on its General Dynamics F-111 strike aircraft.
The budget papers flag early planning for Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) enhancements, with funding approvals planned for next year's budget. The latest budget also includes funding for further trials of High Frequency Surface Wave Radar to support border surveillance requirements.
The green light for replacement tanker aircraft comes despite moves in some areas of government to delay funding until the US Air Force has progressed with its proposed lease of Boeing 767s. Australia intends to compete its replacement tanker project, but is giving preference to linking its buy with the US Air Force. The release of an Australian draft tender for industry comment is due later this month.
The additional troop lift project had been seeking funding in the 2001 budget, but was delayed to enable more detailed assessment of aircraft options. A competitive tender will be released late this year.
Source: Flight International
