Serco has signed a new contract with the ADF to support the Mini-Typhoon, Typhoon and Toplite systems deployed on 23 RAN ships.
The contract, valued at $4m a year, is for five years with the possibility of two five year extensions. Serco will have two key subcontractors, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and manufacturer Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (ATK). Serco’s North American division provides similar maintenance and logistics work for the US Navy.
Four dedicated Serco workshops will be established at strategic ports around Australia with full support nationwide delivered by a team of specialist technicians and engineers.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to support the ADF," Mark Irwin, Serco Asia Pacific Chief Executive, said. "The ongoing collaboration between the RAN, Serco, Rafael and ATK provides outstanding service to our defence forces confirming the ongoing availability, reliability and sustainability of the platform across Australia.
“I am also delighted that we can develop significant technical skills in Australia through this program that will grow the overall capability in the service of Naval vessels.”
“The partnership with Serco will mark yet another milestone in Rafael Australia’s cooperation and partnership with Australian suppliers," Ido Spitzer, Rafael Australia’s General Manager, said.
“We look forward to this partnership with another Australian company, which will result in mutual benefit and most of all, capability for the RAN. We are hopeful this partnership will bring about additional orders for these and other naval systems in 2019."