BAE Systems Australia
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Defence |
| Predecessor | British Aerospace Australia, GEC-Marconi Systems |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Founder | Bristol Aeroplane Company, English Electric (origins) |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh Parks , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Fast Jet support, Military Flight Training, Autonomous Systems, Guided Weapons, Communications, Command & Support solutions |
Number of employees | 4000 (2015) |
| Parent | BAE Systems |
BAE Systems Australia, a division of BAE Systems, stands as one of the foremost defence contractors in Australia. It originated from the consolidation of British Aerospace Australia and GEC-Marconi Systems and expanded its footprint through the acquisitions of Armor Holdings in 2007 and Tenix Defence in June 2008.
History
The foundation of BAE Systems' operations in Australia dates back to the early 1950s with the testing of initial air defence missile systems at the Woomera Test Range. This initiative began in 1953 under the auspices of the Bristol Aeroplane Company and English Electric, which later merged to form the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC). Following BAC's nationalisation in 1977, its Australian branch was rebranded as British Aerospace Australia.
In April 1996, British Aerospace Australia expanded substantially by acquiring AWA Defence Industries (AWADI), an entity created in 1988 through the merger of defence electronics divisions from AWA, Thorn EMI Electronics Australia, and Fairey Australasia.
The parent organisation, BAE Systems, was established on 30 November 1999 through the merger of British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems, the defence arm of the General Electric Company (GEC). BAE Systems Australia experienced notable growth following its parent company's purchase of Armor Holdings in 2007 and further doubled in scale after acquiring Tenix Defence in June 2008.
Products and services
BAE Systems Australia offers a broad spectrum of products and services to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), encompassing Fast Jet support, Military Flight Training, Autonomous Systems, Guided Weapons for naval air defence, as well as Communications, Command & Support solutions.
The organisation is structured into two primary divisions: Aerospace and Maritime & Integrated Systems (M&IS).
The company assumed responsibility for the project previously managed by Tenix Defence.
On 22 October 2008, BAE Systems secured the maintenance contract for the Royal Australian Navy’s Guided Missile Frigate fleet (FFG IMS), succeeding Thales Australia from 1 January 2009. This agreement is scheduled to remain in effect until the final guided missile frigate () is retired in 2021.
Although BAE Systems’ initial proposal for the s was declined in May 2009—with approximately 70% of construction subcontracted to NQEA and Forgacs Marine & Defence—the portion allocated to NQEA was reassigned to BAE Systems Australia on 29 June 2009 due to NQEA’s financial instability. BAE Systems is tasked with constructing 36 blocks for three destroyers at the Williamstown Dockyard, covering hull machinery compartments along with bow and stern sections.
On 29 June 2018, BAE Systems was selected as the preferred bidder to manufacture the s via ASC Shipbuilding, responsible for building nine vessels in South Australia. ASC Shipbuilding was acquired by BAE Systems in December 2018 and subsequently rebranded as BAE Systems Maritime Australia in 2021.
Aerospace
In collaboration with other defence firms, BAE Systems is engaged in developing the MQ-28 Ghost Bat and has presented the STRIX VSTOL drone at the Australian International Airshow.
Additionally, BAE Australia is progressing with the Razer low-cost PGM, intended for both RAAF use and international markets, having completed testing by January 2025. The Razer munition is entirely designed, developed, and produced within Australia.
Corporate and community
BAE Systems Australia operates from its main office located in Edinburgh Parks, South Australia, with a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees across the country as of November 2015. Since that year, the company has collaborated with Soldier On, a charitable organization dedicated to assisting Australia's veterans, active service members, and their families by promoting their health, job opportunities, and recovery programs.