Fed: Government signs deal for early warning aircraft

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2000
Fed: Government signs deal for early warning aircraft

Australia has signed a contract to buy four airborne early warning aircraft in a $3
billion deal with aerospace company Boeing.

The agreement includes an option for two more of the Boeing 737 aircraft at a fixed
price of A$340 million and a third for an undisclosed ceiling price.

Outgoing Defence Minister JOHN MOORE says the airborne early warning and control aircraft
will form the cornerstone of Australia's early warning system well into the century.

The four aircraft, equipped with advanced radars, will be based at Williamtown in New
South Wales, and Tindal in the Northern Territory.

Each can conduct air and sea surveillance over a 400km swathe, detecting hostile ships
or aircraft or even suspected drug or people smugglers.

Opposition defence spokesman STEPHEN MARTIN says the delay means taxpayers will pay
hundreds of millions more for fewer aircraft.

AAP RTV mb/daw/wz/jx

KEYWORD: WEDGETAIL (CANBERRA)

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