The Matra BAe Dynamics team at Asian Aerospace '98 is in jubilant mood with the news that it has been chosen by the Australian government to supply its Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM).
Numbers and contract value will be determined in further negotiations.
ASRAAM beat its rivals, the Israeli Python 4 and the US AIM 9X, for the deal, its first breakthrough in the export market.
Under the contract, more than $40 million worth of advanced technology will be transferred to British Aerospace Australia's dynamics facility in Melbourne.
Range
Meeting the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) "within visual range" air-to-air missile requirement, ASRAAM will be integrated on the RAAF's fleet of Boeing F/A-18 aircraft. The missiles will replace AIM 9M Sidewinders.
Deliveries will begin in the second half of this year and extend through to about the end of 2000.
Welcoming the decision, Lord Gilbert, UK minister for defence procurement, says: "This decision- sucessfully demonostrates the UK defence industry's ability to compete in the international defence market. This will make ASRAAM an extremely attractive option for other operators of the F-18."
The technology transfer programme will include computer models, technical data and training.
Expands
Robin Southwell, chief executive of British Aerospace Australia Holdings, says: "This contract expands our regional technological edge and cements our position as a world-class defence industry based in Melbourne.
Australia's own Defence Science and Technology Organisation will be closely involved in the project to ensure that the equipment is optimised for Australian conditions. An Australian project manager from BAe Australia has been appointed to run the programme.
ASRAAM, claimed to be the world's fastest air-to-air missile, is due to enter service with the RAF in December, 1998, initially on the Tornada F3 and later on the Eurofighter.
Shouldering arms... from left, Bob Thornley, Howard Borrington and Graham Thompson of Matra BAe Dynamics
Source: Flight Daily News
