Australian companies Lovitt Technologies and Marand Precision Engineering have won work on Boeing’s F-15 Eagle program.
Under the auspices of the Defence Material Organisation’s Global Supply Chain program, Boeing’s Office of Australian Industry Capability has been able to secure work for Lovitt to produce F-15 trailing edge fairings and for Marand to supply fuel tank installation equipment, specialised hand tools and structural support pieces. The deal represents Marand’s first defence contract with Boeing, while Lovitt, meanwhile, already has work Boeing’s P-8, Super Hornet/Growler, CH-47 and V-22 programs. Both are also suppliers to Boeing Aerostructures Australia on Boeing commercial aircraft programs.
Boeing says it has now placed contracts with Australia firms via its OAIC valued at US$285 million.
The F-15 is expected to remain in production until 2018 as Boeing completes an order for 84 F-15SA jets for Saudi Arabia. Beyond that the future of the F-15 production line is uncertain, particularly as Boeing in November lost a controversial South Korean fighter requirement to the Lockheed Martin F-35 after offering its F-15SE Silent Eagle variant of the F-15.
