Australian Advanced Aircraft Contract executed by the United States Navy
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Senator Johnston said this key Defence procurement would allow the withdrawal of the ageing AP-3C Orion fleet, and enable Boeing US to place lead time orders in support of Australia’s first four P-8A aircraft.
“Together with high altitude unmanned aerial vehicles, these aircraft will replace the Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orions that have served Australia so well for over four decades,” Senator Johnston said.
He said the P-8A could also conduct search and rescue, anti-submarine and maritime strike missions using torpedoes and harpoon missiles.
Australian industry stands to benefit by as much as $1 billion through construction of facilities for these aircraft and work to meet maintenance and other support needs.
Delivery of the first aircraft is set for 2017 with all eight to be delivered by 2018.
Source : Ministry of Defence Australia
