WILLIAMTOWN, Australia, July 11 (UPI) -- Boeing Defense Australia will provide enhanced support services for the country's air defense command-and-control system under a five-year contract.
The award, given by the Australian Department of Defense, is worth $50.45 million and covers engineering, maintenance, supply and training and system updates.
"The contract ensures that this essential air surveillance and battle management system continues to be cost-effectively maintained and relevant to the Australian Defense Force's requirements, including the need to be interoperable with a wide range of defense and civil systems," said Bill Madley, BDA general manager for Information & Operational Services.
The Vigilare system, built by Boeing, became operational in 2010. It provides battlespace management that supports operations and training by integrating information from a variety of platforms and sensors to support operations at tactical and strategic levels.
Included in the interaction are airborne early warning and control aircraft, fighter aircraft and Royal Australian Navy vessels.
The system is operated from two control centers in the country – one in the north of the country and one in the east.
