SHOALHAVEN based Air Affairs Australia and Canadian company Discovery Air Defence Services Inc (DA Defence), have been awarded a two-year trial contract to provide fighter support to the Australian Defence Force.
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The announcement was made at the Avalon Airshow last week.
The new contract means the two companies will provide air operations training to the ADF.
The training will be mission type scenarios and complements the current learjet services Air Affairs operates out of Nowra.
The Jet Air Support – Fast Jet Trial consists of three highly-advanced Alpha jets based at RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle.
The upgraded jets feature dual touch screens, new radios and GPS receivers for enhanced precision and safety.
They will also operate out of Nowra with operations, maintenance and logistics being supported by an integrated Air Affairs and DA Defence team.
Maintenance work will be carried out at Air Affairs at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park (AATP).
The three fully crewed and maintained jets will provide “Red Air” for RAAF training, Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training for the Australian Army and anti-surface training for the Royal Australian Navy.
Air Affairs managing director Chris Sievers said both companies were proud to be selected for this initial Fast Jet trial.
“The capabilities and expertise of both companies will be combined to deliver highly representative threats and training to produce specialist trained and competent RAAF, army and navy combat personnel,” Mr Sievers said.
“Discovery Air Defence is trusted by the world’s leading air forces to deliver cost effective operational training support.”
“Both Discovery Air Defence and Air Affairs are proud to be selected by the Australian Government to bring our combined capabilities and experience to improve the operational readiness of the Australian Defence Force,” said Discovery Air Defence president, Paul Bouchard.
The contract is expected to start in the third quarter of the 2017 financial year.
Air Affairs was established in 1995 and is 100 per cent Australian owned.
A capable and innovative aviation operations and engineering company, it supports Australian and international defence and industry organisations.
Air Affairs is a leader in the provision of special mission aircraft, airborne equipment and engineering services for the ADF and several countries around the world.
The company, based at AATP Nowra, has been directly involved with the jet air support contract since its inception, supplying all the primary equipment including reeling machines, towed targets and tow cables.
The company provides aircraft operations and maintenance under full CASA certification and operates from built facilities.
Discovery Air is a global leader in specialty aviation services that delivers exceptional air combat training, medevac equipped aircraft services, airborne fire services, air charter services, helicopter operations, and transport and logistics support to ensure operational readiness, health, safety, and vital lifelines for clients and the communities it serves.