Boeing Defence Australia (BDA), a local subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], has taken over prime responsibility for supporting the Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) fleet from Boeing in the U.S. The move ensures a continued high level of readiness for the nation’s command and control aircraft fleet.

Through a contract modification signed by the company and the Commonwealth of Australia, BDA will now execute the E-7A Wedgetail In-Service Support Performance-Based Logistics contract, with other Boeing organizations acting as subcontractor.

“This change effectively combines Boeing’s knowledge as the original equipment manufacturer with a talented Australian team dedicated to providing the Royal Australian Air Force with low-risk, cost-efficient support for the E-7A Wedgetail,” said Shelley Lavender, vice president and general manager of Boeing Integrated Logistics.

“This is a significant step in the maturing of local industry to support this important strategic capability,” said Air Vice-Marshal Colin Thorne, Head Aerospace Systems Division in the Defence Materiel Organisation.

Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial airplane, the E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C provides airborne battle management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and the ability to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.

The Australian government declared Initial Operating Capability of its six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft in 2012. It is now focused on activities to support declaration of Final Operational Capability.

Boeing press release