Australia has awarded authorised engineering organisation (AEO) certification to Boeing Defence Australia for the RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet Weapon System.

Boeing will provide critical engineering services to support the RAAF’s 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, jointly working with local engineering services and US facilities based in St Louis.

The AEO certification acknowledges Boeing Defence Australia’s compliance with the RAAF technical airworthiness regulatory framework.

Australia became the first international Super Hornet customer in 2007, ordering 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets to increase its joint strike fighter capability and replace its aging F-111 fleet in December 2010.

The RAAF will receive the first contingent of Super Hornets this month, while the remaining fighters will arrive throughout 2010 and 2011.

Boeing Defence Australia will also deliver sustainment operations at its facilities at RAAF Base Amberley, under the Commonwealth’s Super Hornet sustainment contract.