BAE Systems commenced a new contract to remain the in-service support provider for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter fleet.

The five-year contract, with potential extensions out to 2026, will deliver deeper maintenance, engineering, full logistics and training systems support for 33 Hawk fighters at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Pearce.

The contract commenced on 1 July 2013 and is valued at up to $435 million.

It will ensure the Hawk remains an effective platform into the next decade for preparing aircrew for operational conversion to the F/A-18A Hornet and the F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, and then the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter when it is introduced into service.

BAE Systems Australia Director Aerospace Steve Drury said the RAAF would benefit from a greater than five per cent saving over the contract period, without compromising on quality or availability.

“Our solution builds on the previous 10 per cent plus cost reduction we achieved on Hawk support in recent years to deliver further savings through more innovative solutions,” Mr Drury said.

The contract will also foster increased collaboration, with the co-location of 78 Wing headquarters at BAE Systems’ Williamtown facility.

“This contract is another example of how the Commonwealth can partner with industry to achieve significant savings,” Mr Drury said.

“We are proud to continue as the provider of this important RAAF capability and ensure that the Hawk remains a quality, cost effective training platform throughout its whole of life.”

This contract continues to support 145 BAE Systems Australia employees at Williamtown and 42 employees at Pearce.