Ferra Engineering wins Boeing HAAWC contract

Aerospace giant Boeing has selected Brisbane-based Ferra Engineering to produce wing kits for its High-Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) under a contract of undisclosed value. The HAAWC is designed to be deployed from Boeing’s P-8A multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, of which the RAAF has 14; the US Navy operates more than 100.

This all-weather, air-launched Mk54 torpedo kit allows operators to engage submarines from high altitudes, significantly enhancing aircraft longevity and operational effectiveness and ensuring crew safety.

The contract extends the existing partnership between Boeing and Ferra and establishes a local production line for the system, further strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities, says Boeing in a media release.

“Local HAAWC production with Ferra means more skilled jobs in Australia and deeper sovereign manufacturing capability,” said Bob Ciesla, vice president, Boeing Precision Engagement Systems. “This partnership serves as a practical investment in national defence and regional security aligned to Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise sovereign objectives.”

Ferra supplies precision components to a number of Boeing programs including the Australian-manufactured MQ-28 Ghost Bat, as well as exporting components to the US for the F/A-18F Super Hornet, AH-64E Apache and P-8A Poseidon. This relationship was developed as part of the ADF’s Global Supply Chain Program and has been running now for 17 years, Boeing says. In 2023, the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to produce wing kits for Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM-ER) and Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM-LR).

“This contract not only reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, Australian-made defence solutions but also highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing our nation’s defence capabilities,” said Aaron Thompson, CEO of Ferra Engineering. “Together, we are paving the way for innovation and excellence in aerospace manufacturing.”

Boeing’s involvement in the Global Supply Chain program has significantly enhanced opportunities for the Australian industry to export products, services, and technology within Boeing’s worldwide supply chain, the company says.