Minister for Defence - Contract secured for aviation fire trucks

Defence has signed a $33.393 million contract for 28 aviation fire trucks to provide aircraft crash, emergency and fighting fire fighting responses for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Australian Army.

Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston said the new vehicles would replace and enhance existing Army and Air Force aircraft rescue and fire fighting capabilities.

The contract, with Oshkosh Corporation, will offer opportunities for Australian industry during the through-life support of the vehicles.

“This marks an important step in the continued improvement and modernisation of the Australian Defence Force, providing safe airbases for our military aircraft and aircrew within Australia and when operating overseas on deployment,” Senator Johnston said.

He said the vehicles would come in two variants to meet the different needs of Army and RAAF, with the RAAF variant capable of being transported by C-130J aircraft.

“These specialist fire fighting trucks will have a common chassis for both Army and RAAF which will streamline maintenance, spares and training, providing value for money for the taxpayer,” Senator Johnston said.

“This project will also deliver around $10.5 million of work in constructing the new facilities needed to house the vehicles and the associated equipment.”

New facilities will be built at Amberley and Enoggera (Brisbane), Darwin, Townsville, Holsworthy, Richmond, Williamtown and Tindal.

Initial Operating Capability is planned for March 2017 and Final Operational Capability in June 2018.

Media contacts:

Rebecca Horton (Minister Johnston’s Office) 0477 389 554

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999