Wedgetail over Newcastle Harbour

Defence in the Hunter

The Hunter region has sophisticated defence infrastructure, a large and experienced defence support industry and a proven track record in defence project delivery.

The Defence industry has a significant role in the regional economy with two major military bases located at Williamtown and Singleton.

RAAF Base Williamtown is the primary fighter base for the Royal Australian Air Force. It is headquarters for the Air Force’s Surveillance and Response Group, Air Combat Group, with Radar Units and Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Squadron and  Air Combat Group with two squadrons of F/A-18 Hornet, and two training squadrons of F/A-18 Hornet and BAE Hawk 127 and Forward Air Control Development Unit with Pilatus PC 9 aircraft.

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) operates three Systems Program Offices (SPOs) from Williamtown: Tactical Fighter SPO which manages the acquisition and through life support of F/A-18 and Hawk aircraft, Ground Telecommunications SPO which supports various surveillance, control and communications equipment and AEW&C SPO supporting Wedgetail Aircraft.

Defence Business

The Defence industry has supported many projects across the Hunter Region

 Maritime Support:

  • Construction of six HUON Class Minehunter Coastal (MHC) vessels
  • Refurbishment and ongoing maintenance of serving RAN major fleet units
  • Manufacture of the blocks for the SEA4000 Air Warfare Destroyer Program

Land Support:

  • Manufacture of land vehicles and components for numerous Army Projects including Project Overlander
  • Infrastructure Projects

Aerospace & JSF Support:

  • Assembly of 21 Lead-In-Fighter aircraft for the RAAF
  • Upgrade of F/A 18 Hornet Fighters
  • Manufacture of ground support equipment for the JSF project
  • Establishment of world class fighter pilot training facilities with through life support
  • Provision of Communications- Electronics technologies and know-how
  • Throughlife support of Hawk, Hornet and Wedgetail Aircraft
  • Support of Air Surveillance Projects

 

Hunter Defence Cluster
The Hunter Defence Cluster comprises representatives from Regional Development Australia, HunterNet, Hunter TAFE, Hunter Business Chamber, University of Newcastle and the Australian Industry Group. The NSW Government funds a project manager to coordinate this regional approach to promote the Hunter’s Defence Industry.

Hunter Defence Cluster has a strong regional focus and structure, which allows companies to work together as partners. HunterNet is a network of small and medium-sized manufacturing, engineering and consulting companies located in the Hunter region of NSW. It connects 100 companies, active in national and international markets in defence, power generation, mineral processing, transportation and major resource projects.

more information www.hunterdefence.com.au