Defence Minister Peter Dutton has signed a new 10-year contract with BAE Systems Australia to provide fast-jet combat training aircraft in Newcastle and Perth.
BAE will upgrade its Hawk 127 training aircraft as part of the $1.5 billion contract to 2031.
Advertisement
Mr Dutton's office said on Sunday the contract renewal would "create" 260 "direct" jobs in the Hunter, but his staff confirmed with BAE on Monday that no new jobs would flow from the deal.
The contract will deliver continuing employment for BAE staff and allow the company to install relatively low-maintenance Adour 951 engines in the Hawks.
Williamtown's No.76 Squadron uses the Hawk 127 to train pilots to fly the new F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, the F/A18F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler.
READ MORE:
Michael Parris
Michael Parris reports on politics for the Newcastle Herald. He started at the Herald in 1994 after working in the ABC Newcastle newsroom. Michael spent much of his career as a sub-editor before moving into political reporting in 2017. He was a finalist in the Sports Australia national media awards for his reporting about a male-only tennis club in Newcastle. He has reported on the 2019 NSW and federal elections, state and federal budgets and local politics. He has also written extensively about the COVID-19 pandemic with a special focus on data analysis and the effects of lockdowns on the Hunter community.
Michael Parris reports on politics for the Newcastle Herald. He started at the Herald in 1994 after working in the ABC Newcastle newsroom. Michael spent much of his career as a sub-editor before moving into political reporting in 2017. He was a finalist in the Sports Australia national media awards for his reporting about a male-only tennis club in Newcastle. He has reported on the 2019 NSW and federal elections, state and federal budgets and local politics. He has also written extensively about the COVID-19 pandemic with a special focus on data analysis and the effects of lockdowns on the Hunter community.
