BAE Systems has been awarded a six-year contract to provide interim basic flying training to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The six-year contract will begin in January 2012 and includes annual extension options for a further six years.

Under the $86.6m contract, BAE will provide basic flying training with the upgraded CT-4B Airtrainer aircraft until a new pilot training system, being developed under project AIR5428, is delivered to ADF.

Basic flying training provides a cost-effective training solution for the future capability of the ADF’s air power.

The new pilot training system is expected to be delivered during 2015-17.