First deliveries of Defence's new generation aviation refueling vehicles

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced that three new aviation refuelling vehicles have been delivered to RAAF Base Amberley.

Minister Pyne said these are the first of 100 vehicles to be delivered by Victorian company, Refuel International, which was awarded the $47 million contract in October 2016 to deliver a new generation of aviation refuelling vehicles to Defence under Joint Project 157 Phase 1.

The contract will result in Refuel International growing its workforce by more than 60 staff across the country, with the majority based in Victoria.

“The three vehicles have been delivered on schedule and will be used to support the delivery of familiarisation training for Defence personnel preparing for the transition of new vehicles into service in mid-2017,” Minister Pyne said.

“Delivery of the remaining 97 vehicles will continue progressively with the final delivery scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2019. 

"The vehicles will enable Defence to efficiently and effectively refuel and defuel its current and future fleets of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, including the Super Hornet, C-17s and soon to be delivered Joint Strike Fighter.

“This represents another example of Australian industry working in partnership with the Government to achieve results and create jobs.” he said.