Raytheon Australia has been selected as the preferred bidder for a major electronic engineering contract in support of the combat system design and maintenance for the Air Warfare Destroyer.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said that, subject to final contract negotiations, Raytheon Australia will be awarded the role of Air Warfare Destroyer Project Combat System-System Engineer.
As part of the contract, Raytheon will undertake studies for the Commonwealth on Combat System Integration and Risk Reduction. The contract is valued at approximately $15 Million.
"The work under this contract will help develop a combat system configuration based on the already agreed AEGIS core system – the world’s pre-eminent maritime air warfare system," Senator Hill said.
"This important task will assist Defence to gain a better understanding of different combat system design options for Cabinet consideration later this year."
The Government announced the selection of a core Aegis Weapons System for the Air Warfare Destroyer Project in August 2004.
Defence recommended the Aegis as the best system for its air warfare combat needs based on cost, capability, risk and schedule following analysis by the Defence Science Technology Organisation (DSTO) and support from the US Navy.
This system will be a major leap in the air warfare capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy. It will provide significantly increased protection from air attack for troops being transported and deployed, long-range air warfare defence for Navy task groups and a coordinated air picture for fighter and surveillance aircraft.
Raytheon Australia is a Canberra based company that employs over 1000 people in six different locations in Australia and is one of the largest defence electronic companies in Australia with a proven record in systems integration capabilities.
The conduct of the evaluation and selection of Raytheon Australia has been reviewed by the Air Warfare Destroyers Program Probity Advisers who have confirmed the process was fair and equitable.
This contract is in line with the Government’s Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry program and will boost Australia’s skills in combat system integration and software engineering and development.
