10 May 2013: Chief Executive Officer of Australian Aerospace, Dr. Jens Goennemann welcomed the signing of an agreement with the Commonwealth which, he said, will provide both the Army and Navy with not only a superior but also affordable military helicopter capability.
He was commenting on an announcement by The Hon Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Defence and The Hon Dr. Mike Kelly AM MP, Minister for Defence Materiel, that Defence and Australian Aerospace had successfully resolved a number of commercial and contractual issues which could see the MRH90 multi-role helicopter program removed from the Government’s Projects of Concern List by the end of 2013. In addition to affordability and capability enhancements, Australian Aerospace will provide a 47th aircraft to the Australian Defence Force as part of the renegotiated contract.
“The MRH90 represents the very latest in military helicopter technology, an all-composite aircraft that can carry more troops further and faster than any of its competitors,” Dr. Goennemann said.
“However, we’re the first to acknowledge that new and complex technologies of the size and scope of the MRH can have issues, and when issues do arise it requires additional effort from all parties to get the program back on track.
“The Ministers have stated the MRH program is now back on track, and with the difficult times behind us we can move forward with clear goals, openness, and a commitment to deliver.”
Dr. Goennemann said the Projects of Concern deliberations between the Commonwealth and Australian Aerospace had been fair and effective, and the new Deed signed would ensure delivery to the Australian Defence Force of the world’s state-of-the-art, superior and affordable capability.
Mr Dominique Maudet, Chairman of Australian Aerospace and Executive Vice President Global Business and Services, Eurocopter attended the signing event in Australia. “I share the Commonwealth’s pleasure that Australian Aerospace and the Commonwealth worked collaboratively as equals within the Projects of Concern framework to successfully achieve this positive outcome, and I offer my congratulations to all concerned” Mr Maudet said.
“Australian Aerospace has had a decades-long history of partnership with the ADF, supporting the AP-3C Orion, C-130J Hercules, ARH armed reconnaissance helicopter and now retired Caribou transport, and is now well-placed to enjoy a similar relationship with MRH,” Dr. Goennemann said.
NOTE: The “announcement” Link in the above was added by PacificSentinel for clarity & context.