BAE JOBS SAFE

In February 2005, BAE was selected to develop electronic warfare self protection – ALR 2002 Radar Warning Receiver – for Australia’s FA-18 Hornets.

The decision to develop Australian Radar Warning Receiver was taken on strategic national security grounds.

The BAE system has been successfully tested for fitting to transport aircraft (including C-130 Hercules and Caribous) and helicopters (including Black Hawks and Chinooks)

Defence has advised me that the remaining schedule and risk in fully developing the ALR 2002 system for the FA-18s is under active review.

The Australian Government will consider options for the future of this project based on the recommendations of Defence. No decision has yet been taken to stop BAE’S further development of the ALR 2002 system for Australia’s FA-18s.

BAE CEO Jim McDowell this morning has told me no jobs are under threat. BAE employs approximately 140 people in its Electronic Warfare Division. Indeed it is quite the opposite. There’s a shortage of skilled engineers across Australia. BAE’s employees working on the project can be redeployed to other areas within BAE if the Government’s contract with it changes.

In 2004/5, the Defence industry employed approximately 4800 people and invested $735 million in South Australia.

Approximately $94 million has been invested developing and testing the ALR 2002 system for the Hornets.

BAE has a sound reputation in Australian Defence Industries and has completed many high profile electronic systems projects, including the Nulka Active Missile Decoy System.

The Australian Government continues to manage our air combat capability to ensure we maintain a regional superiority.

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