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Northrop Grumman has been selected by the Royal Australian Air Force to continue providing through-life support to the Commonwealth’s VIP special purpose aircraft fleet.
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This sole source, 18-year rolling wave contract has an initial period of six years for sustainment and maintenance valued at $84 million. Northrop Grumman will service the SPA fleet by providing logistics, maintenance, engineering and training. The work will be supported by a dedicated program management office in Melbourne.
Chris Deeble, chief executive of Northrop Grumman Australia, said, "This award is a reflection of our team’s support to the RAAF and the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, especially through our work on the SPA, KC-30A and C-27J programs."
The SPA fleet comprises two Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) aircraft and three Challenger CL604 jets that are being replaced by three Falcon 7X business jets. The RAAF’s SPA capabilities are set to ramp up mid-year with the delivery of a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport modified to support long-range government VIP transport needs.
"As a leader in platform stewardship and global fleet management, we look forward to maintaining our 100 per cent mission capable rate," Deeble added.
The aircraft will be operated by Number 34 Squadron as part of the Special Purpose Aircraft fleet, based at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in the ACT.
Northrop Grumman is a global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernisation to customers worldwide.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
