The $348 million Growler Airborne Electronic Attack Capability Facilities Project will soon be open for registrations of interest, as the parliamentary submissions process closes on 24 September 2015.
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Darren Chester (now Assistant Minister for Defence, following the Turnbull cabinet reshuffle), referred the defence project to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works in August. Following Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2016, with completion by 2023.
The Project will see existing facilities refurbished, and the construction of new facilities in three locations across Australia to support the introduction of 12 new EA-18G Growler aircraft and support systems for the Australian Defence Force. The sites to be upgraded include the RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, the Army Aviation Centre at Oakey, Queensland, and the Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory.
Under the Project, RAAF Base Amberley will get new or upgraded working accommodation, administration, logistics, and maintenance facilities, training and simulator facilities, multi-storey car park and associated support services and infrastructure.
The Project will also provide facilities to support the safe employment of the new Growler Mobile Threat Training Emitter Systems at the Army Aviation Centre Oakey, Queensland and the Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory.
The Mobile Threat Emitter Systems will emit a combination of radio frequency signals that simulate radars. They will also provide communications components that the Growler aircraft can target electronically during training.
The EA-18G Growler aircraft is an airborne electronic attack aircraft that allows the Air Force to electronically dominate the airspace by disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radars and communications. The result is a reduced risk to Australian and allied forces.
The EA-18G Growler is based on the F/A-18F Super Hornet airframe and fitted with additional avionics, enhanced radio frequency receivers, an improved communications suite and ALQ radio-frequency jamming pods.
Australia is acquiring 12 of these Growler aircraft and support systems, which will serve with No. 6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley.
The Project aims to provide fit-for-purpose facilities to maintain, support and sustain the operations of the Growler aircraft, and ensure the various defence sites are ready for the arrival of the aircraft, which are due in two batches in 2017.
According to Mr Chester, the Project was of significant size and would contribute to jobs growth in South East Queensland and the Northern Territory. There are obvious opportunities for engineering providers and subcontractors with a presence in these regions.
The project value of $348.6 million includes construction costs, escalation allowances, professional service fees, design, construction and defence contingencies, and information technology equipment.