Bae Systems Australia awarded Hawk contract extension

Release details

Release type

Related ministers and contacts


The Hon Christopher Pyne MP

Minister for Defence


The Hon Steven Ciobo MP

Minister for Defence Industry


Media contacts

Scott Bolitho (Minister Pyne’s office): 02 6277 7800 pynemedia@defence.gov.au

Ella Kenny (Minister Pyne’s office): 02 6277 7800, pynemedia@defence.gov.au

Ben Dillaway (Minister Ciobo’s office): 02 6277 7840


Defence Media: (02) 6127 1999, media@defence.gov.au

Release content

27 February 2019

Joint Media Release

  • Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Steven Ciobo MP

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, and the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, today announced the signing of a contract extension with BAE Systems Australia for in-service support of Royal Australian Air Force Hawk lead-in-fighter aircraft.

“This $245 million contract extension provides for a two year extension to the existing in-service support arrangements for all current work out to 2022,” Minister Pyne said.

“The contract extension provides ongoing certainty to Defence and Australian industry.”

Minister Ciobo said the contract extension was an example of Defence working well with industry.

“The contract extension follows outstanding collaboration between Defence and BAE Systems Australia over the current contract period,” Minister Ciobo said.

“It will secure the ongoing employment of over 325 industry personnel across Australia.”

Operated by Numbers 76 and 79 Squadrons at RAAF Bases Williamtown (NSW) and Pearce (WA), the Hawk fleet comprises 33 aircraft to train qualified RAAF pilots to operate the next generation of fighter aircraft, including the Joint Strike Fighter, Super Hornet, and Growler.

Other related releases