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Minister for Defence Media Mail List
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Friday, 16 April 2004 073/2004
EADS/QANTAS WINS $2 BILLION AIR-TO-AIR REFUELLING COMPETITION
The Military Transport Division of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) teamed with Qantas Defence Services has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet of new air-to-air refuelling aircraft, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
Senator Hill said the government had selected the EADS A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport Aircraft to replace the RAAF's ageing Boeing 707 aircraft in an approximate $2 billion project.
"The five new aircraft will be capable of refuelling F/A-18, F-111, Airborne Early Warning and Control and Joint Strike Fighter aircraft," Senator Hill said.
"They will also have a significant strategic air lift capacity when not engaged in aerial refuelling tasks, including the ability to carry 293 passengers and a significant amount of cargo.
"The acquisition of an additional aircraft will provide a big boost to operational capabilities - giving the RAAF a wider range of activities in one area of operations while also supporting refuelling and transport activities in a second area."
"Our aircraft, for example, would enable non stop deployment of six F/A-18s from Darwin to Butterworth in Malaysia, while carrying 43 tonnes of support equipment and stores." Senator Hill said that recent experiences had showed the vital importance of this type of aircraft as a force multiplier during combat operations. This was borne out by the extremely valuable work done by the RAAF 707 tankers over Afghanistan during the War on Terror, and by the high demand for aerial refuelling during the recent Iraqi Freedom operations.
Contract negotiations will now commence with EADS for the purchase of five aircraft.
The basic aircraft will be constructed in Europe, with four of the five having refuelling modifications installed and integrated by Qantas in Brisbane. Qantas Defence Services will also conduct through life support of the aircraft in Australia.
"Australian industry will also be involved in the design of the refuelling system, project management and production of aircraft components and engine parts for export," Senator Hill said.
"Over the life of the program, the value of the work to be undertaken by Australian industry and the associated technology to be transferred to Australia exceeds $500 million."
The project will be a significant defence industry boost for Australia. Senator Hill said that all the aircraft would be fitted with an Electronic Warfare Self Protection suite for defence against shoulder fired surface to air missiles. Additionally, the EADS tender package includes a hospital bed kit for emergency medical evacuations and advanced simulators for crew training. Contract signature is expected later this year, with the aircraft planned to enter service from 2007.
Media contacts
Catherine Fitzpatrick (Senator Hill)
02 6277 7800 0405 351 245
Defence Media Liaison
02 6265 3343 0408 498 664
www.defence.gov.au