Brisbane-based manufacturer to produce wing kits for HAAWC system in move set to bolster Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.

Boeing has selected the Brisbane-based Ferra Engineering to manufacture wing kits for its High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC), extending a long-standing partnership and establishing a local production line for the advanced system.

The technology, designed for deployment from the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, allows for all-weather, high-altitude anti-submarine engagements. By enabling the aircraft to launch torpedoes from significant heights, the system aims to enhance operational effectiveness while keeping crews further from potential threats.

The shift to local production is expected to create additional skilled jobs within Australia’s aerospace sector, strengthening the nation’s sovereign manufacturing base. The move aligns with the federal government’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise objectives, which seek to reduce reliance on international supply chains for critical munitions.

The deal marks a significant expansion of a 17-year relationship between the two companies. Ferra has previously contributed to high-profile defence programmes including the MQ-28 Ghost Bat “loyal wingman” drone, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, and the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

Industry analysts suggest the collaboration underscores the increasing integration of Australian firms into global defence supply chains. For Canberra, the deal represents a tangible step in its broader strategy to marry national security requirements with domestic industrial innovation.