Babcock Australasia has released details about the industrial strategy supporting its bid for the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF’s) Special Operations helicopter programme. The company is bidding for the contract, which has an estimated value of about AUD2.5 billion (USD1.8 billion), with the Bell 429 Global Ranger twin-engined helicopter.
On 13 August Babcock Australasia said its related industrial programme features collaboration with 12 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia to ensure that 95% of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work is undertaken locally.
Pictured in Australian Defence Force colours, the Bell 429 Global Ranger is being offered by Babcock for the country’s Land 2097 Phase 4 requirement. Supporting the bid, Babcock is partnered with 16 local companies. (Babcock)
Capabilities provided by the SMEs features engineering, training, and simulation and work including MRO, ballistics protection and targeting systems, logistics support, engineering services, simulation, and computer-based training.
The company added, “The project will create 178 new jobs and generate AUD326.6 million in economic benefits while supporting local research and development, generating technology and knowledge transfer as well as export opportunities.”
Babcock Australasia said its local partners on the programme include Airspeed Composites, Bend-Tech, Craig International Ballistics, Eagle Copters Australasia, FlightSafety International, HeliMods, L3Harris Technologies, Logistic Engineering Services, MMC Learning and Development (MMCLD), Omni Executive, Praxis Aerospace and Virtual Simulation Systems.
Babcock CEO David Ruff said, “We recognise the importance of supporting Australian innovation and developing and enhancing local skills, knowledge, systems, technology, and infrastructure to meet Australia’s defence capability goals, create jobs, and support economic growth.”
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
