ENHANCEMENTS TO THE ADF’S ORION MARITIME PATROL AIRCRAFT

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today announced a $68 million program to provide enhancements to the ADF’s Maritime Patrol Capability. Mr Fitzgibbon made the announcement whilst inspecting an AP3-C Orion at RAAF Edinburgh with the Federal Member for Wakefield, Nick Champion.

AIR 5276 Capability Assurance Program 1 (CAP 1) will equip the whole AP‑3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft fleet (Orion fleet), with modern electro‑optic/infra‑red sensors, a high data-rate communications system (tactical common data link), and a replacement video recorder system. Aircrew training and engineering support will also be provided to bolster this modern technology.

Mr Fitzgibbon is confident CAP 1 will improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of Orion fleet missions.

“This valuable real time information and high-speed streaming of data will further allow us to support a wide range of allied and coalition armed service partners, as well as Air Force units, the Australian Army and Navy, Australian Federal Police and Coast Watch,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The information gained from this technology will help protect coalition forces by warning them of hostile or suspicious activity.”

CAP 1 has been developed in partnership with Australian industry through the P‑3 Accord, which is an alliance between the Defence Materiel Organisation, BAE Systems Australia Defence and Australian Aerospace Ltd.

The valuable experience gained by Australian industry during the design, development, and installation of the CAP 1 systems builds on Australia’s solid aerospace industry foundations.

The common fit of this equipment across all aircraft, training and support systems, and the improved in-service logistics support structures put in place by the project, is also expected to result in a significant improvement in maintenance productivity.

Australia’s Orion fleet and ground staff have already won great respect from our allies.  CAP 1 enhances our current resources to ensure that the Orion fleet continues to represent a valuable and versatile maritime capability.

The upgrade is good news for the ADF, good news for Australian industry, and South Australia's economy, and good news for Australia's national security.

Media contacts:

Jack Smith (Joel Fitzgibbon):                                  02 6277 7800 or 0408 116 423

Defence Media Liaison:                                           02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664