Boeing has awarded a contract to Australia-based Ferra Engineering to produce wing kits for its High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC).
The award will enable the Queensland-based firm to establish a local production line for the advanced system, further strengthening Australia’s sovereign defense capabilities.
“Local HAAWC production with Ferra means more skilled jobs in Australia and deeper sovereign manufacturing capability,” Vice President of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems, Bob Ciesla, said.
“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.”
HAAWC System
HAAWC is an all-weather capability designed to enable P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to deploy Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes from significantly higher altitudes and at longer stand-off distances than previously possible.
The system consists of a wing kit that allows the weapon to glide to a designated target area using GPS-assisted guidance, with the ability to operate in GPS-denied environments through inertial navigation alone.
HAAWC enables Mk 54 deployment from altitudes of up to 30,000 feet (9,144 meters), compared with the previous release altitude of about 100 feet (30 meters).
By removing the need for low-altitude torpedo release, the system improves aircraft survivability while saving time and fuel.
Partnership With Boeing
The contract builds on an ongoing partnership between the two companies. Ferra already supplies precision components for Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft and exports components to the US for platforms including the F/A-18F Super Hornet, AH-64E Apache, and P-8A Poseidon.
In 2023, Boeing and Ferra signed a memorandum of understanding to produce wing kits for the Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range and Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range programs.
“We are honored to continue our 17-year-long partnership with Boeing on the HAAWC program,” CEO of Ferra Engineering Aaron Thompson said.
“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 defense capabilities. Together, we are paving the way for innovation and excellence in aerospace manufacturing.”
