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| Australia's 1st E/A-18G Growler delivered by Boeing USA |
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Darren Chester, today announced that the $348 million, Growler Airborne Electronic Attack Capability Facilities Project had been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
The Project proposes to provide new or upgraded working accommodation, administration, logistics, and maintenance facilities, training and simulator facilities, multi-storey car park and associated support services and infrastructure at RAAF Base Amberley.
The Project will also provide facilities to support the safe employment of the new Growler –Mobile Threat Training Emitter Systems at the Army Aviation Centre Oakey, Queensland and the Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory.
“The Project will provide fit for purpose facilities to support and sustain the operation of the EA-18G Growler capability,” Mr Chester said.
“This aircraft will provide Air Force with the ability to dominate the airspace electronically reducing the risk to Australian and partner forces.
“It is essential that we have the facilities needed to support this transformational asset.”
Mr Chester said the project was of significant size and would contribute to jobs growth in South East Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance Michael McCormack, on referring the upgrade to the Public Works Committee, said: “National security is the highest priority of the Australian Government.”
“The Government is committed to delivering Defence capability to support our soldiers, sailors, and airmen and airwomen in their roles at home and abroad.
“The addition of Growler will further enhance our military’s ability to engage in modern warfare and this upgrade work will ensure our bases are ready for the Growlers’ arrival.”
Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2016 with completion expected by 2023.