Air 7000 

Air 7000  

AIR 7000 has the primary objective of providing for a Maritime Patrol capability when the time comes to replace the P-3 aircraft.  There are several options for achieving this result, but it is likely the solution will be a mix of manned and unmanned aircraft. 

While the project will be focused on the acquisition of a capability centred on maritime patrol and response roles, it will also support electronic and land surveillance roles.

AIR 7000 Phase 1B - Multi-mission Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV)
This phase is intended to acquire High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Systems for maritime patrol and other surveillance. Air 7000 Phase 1 received first pass Government approval in July 2006.  At First Pass, Government agreed to enter into collaborative activities with the United States Navy (USN) on their Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) Program.

AIR 7000 Phase 2B - Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Phase 2B is intended to provide the manned component of the ADF maritime patrol capability that may involve upgrade or replacement of the AP-3C Orion aircraft. 

The Government has given first pass approval for AIR 7000 Phase 2 – a $4 billion project for Defence to acquire a manned Maritime Patrol and Response Aircraft (MPRA). The manned MPRA, in conjunction with the Multi-mission Unmanned Aerial System being acquired by Defence under AIR 7000 Phase 1, will replace the capability currently provided by the AP-3C Orion. 

First pass approval allows Defence to commence formal negotiations with the United States Navy  to participate in the cooperative development of the P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA). The United States Navy chose the Boeing Company to develop the P-8A MMA based on its 737 commercial aircraft. The P-8A will be equipped with modern Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance sensors that have evolved from proven systems.  The P-8A will be capable of broad-area, maritime, littoral and limited overland operations.

Like the Joint Striker Fighter (JSF) Program, a Team Australia approach is being developed to facilitate Australian industry participation in Air 7000 through an industry and whole-of-government partnership.  The Air 7000 Industry Team will consist of Department of Defence and DIISR personnel.  On the industry side, to avoid duplication, it is planned to use the existing JSF Industry Team infrastructure.

Like JSF, we plan to work closely with Australian and international companies to address the expected barriers to participation.