Aircraft

BAE Systems Australia and Australian Aerospace have been picked to provide upgrades to Australia's fleet of Lockheed Martin AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

The enhancements include improved electro-optic/infrared systems, tactical common datalinks and upgrades to ground-based support systems, with the contracts valued at A$31.1 million ($25.6 million), says the Australian Department of Defence.

© Lockheed Martin The RAAF's AP-3C maritime patrol fleet will be upgraded

"The upgraded system, which will build on earlier interim designs installed to support operations in the Middle East area of operations, will enter service in 2011, and will remain operational until the AP-3C is withdrawn from service," the DoD says. The type plays "a vital role in Australia's national and international maritime patrol, reconnaissance and strike capability", it adds.

The DoD has also selected Raytheon Australia to provide in-service support for the Royal Australian Navy's fleet of Eurocopter AS350 training helicopters. The five-year contract will be worth A$9.5 million annually, with Raytheon to provide management, engineering, maintenance, and supply services "under a single, more efficient and effective contract arrangement".

The deal is expected to allow the navy's AS350s to be maintained until the type's planned withdrawal late next decade. The aircraft is used to prepare the service's pilots for rotary-wing operations, and to instruct air observers and aircrewmen.

Australia's navy flies Sikorsky S-70 Seahawk anti-submarine warfare helicopters and Westland Sea King transports, and is introducing NH Industries MRH90 tactical transports. Canberra also plans to buy up to 24 new naval combat helicopters to replace the Seahawks as part of its defence procurement plan.