Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has been awarded the P-8A Poseidon fleet sustainment contract which is worth $291 million. BDA will provide life support to the fleet in the hopes this will guarantee the long-term operational readiness of the fleet.
“The contract signing with Boeing Defence Australia reflects our strong commitment to Australian industry and builds on the nation’s capacity to independently sustain key defence assets," Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, said.
This contract will provide ongoing maintenance, sustainment and capability upgrades to the P-8A fleet and will allegedly maximise their availability and effectiveness. Based at RAAF Base Edinburgh and operated by RAAF’s No.11 and 292 Squadrons, the P‑8A Poseidon is the cornerstone of Australia’s anti-submarine, anti-surface and search and rescue capabilities. The aircraft enables crucial maritime and overland intelligence awareness for surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
“This four-year contract extension is a testament to our trusted partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the Surveillance & Response Systems Program Office and the Surveillance & Response Group, which is delivering a world-leading, sovereign capability for Australia’s P-8A Poseidon fleet," Director of Sustainment Operations for Boeing Defence Australia, Naomi Smith, said.
“It will further strengthen our ability to deliver best-for-capability solutions to the RAAF into the next decade and enhance the solutions available to regional P-8A and 737 commercial derivative aircraft operators.”
As part of the maintenance of the P‑8A Poseidon fleet, both the Federal and State governments are working together on the development of a $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF), adjacent to RAAF Base Edinburgh. The DMMF project will accommodate the long-term, deep maintenance and modification of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) fleet of RAAF P-8A Poseidon and E‑7A Wedgetail aircraft.
The ADF currently operates 12 P‑8A Poseidon aircraft, with an additional two aircraft to be delivered by the end of 2026.