BAE Secures Continued Partnership with Lead-in Fighter Contract Renewal
The Hawk Lead-In Fighter will persist in training Australia’s premier fighter pilots until 2031, following today’s $1.5 billion investment by the Australian Government.
The new agreement encompasses the ongoing support services already in place, supplying maintenance, engineering, and logistics solutions to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and will form the groundwork for future upgrades of mission systems.
An upgrade of the 951 Adour engine for the Australian fleet is set to be integrated by 2025, aligning the aircraft with the UK Royal Air Force’s T2 Hawk models. Following the 2019 Lead-In Fighter Capability enhancement of the 33-aircraft fleet, the Hawk jets are now recognized as among the most advanced jet trainers globally, closely resembling the T2.
The mission systems enhancement will systematically refresh the software and hardware on the aircraft, preserving and amplifying the Hawk’s efficacy as a fast jet trainer, catering to the evolving needs of pilots getting ready to operate the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and other contemporary aircraft.
The upgrades will be spearheaded by BAE Systems’ Australian engineers, with support from BAE Systems UK specialists in Hawk aircraft. The growing similarity between the Australian and UK Hawk fleets boosts the prospects for future partnerships, minimizing costs and allowing for more efficient advancements.
Gabby Costigan, Chief Executive of BAE Systems Australia, commented: “The contract extension underscores the world-class capabilities of this aircraft, along with the teams that support the Hawk fleet at Williamtown and Pearce, and our highly proficient Australian supply chain.”
“The Hawk Lead-In Fighter has established a solid track record in delivering exceptional aircrew to the Royal Australian Air Force.
“In collaboration with RAAF, Defence, and the program’s supply chain, we take pride in contributing to the provision of transformative training requirements for a fifth-generation air force over the forthcoming decade.”
The Hawk Lead-In Fighter initiative currently sustains a direct workforce comprising 350 individuals at BAE Systems’ Williamtown (NSW) facility and RAAF Base Pearce, along with an industry supply chain of 180 Australian enterprises, including around 90 SMEs, many located in the Hunter Valley.
