Boeing Australia has been selected as the preferred long-term support provider for the Royal Australian Air Force's General Dynamics F-111 air-craft. The two contracts, worth A$500 million ($291 million)over ten years, are to be finalised later this year.
The downselect will see Boeing take over operation of the RAAF's 501 Wing F-111 Business Unit and becoming the preferred supplier for upgrade services to the strike aircraft under Australia's ongoing F-111 Block Upgrade Programme.
Australia expects to invest a further A$85 million in the F-111 Block Upgrade Programme over the next three years.
Boeing is the prime contractor for the upgrade of RAAF Boeing F/A-18 Hornets and is in the process of negotiating a contract with the Australian Department of Defence for the supply of up to seven 'Wedgetail' airborne early warning and control aircraft.
Source: Flight International
