- Agreement enhances Boeing’s collaboration with Ferra in Australia, bolstering sovereign defence capabilities
BRISBANE, Queensland, Feb. 2, 2026 — Boeing has selected Ferra Engineering to produce wing kits for its High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC). The contract extends the existing partnership between Boeing and Ferra and establishes a local production line for the advanced system, further strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.
The HAAWC is designed to be deployed from Boeing’s P-8A multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft. This all-weather, air-launched torpedo kit allows operators to engage submarines from high altitudes, significantly enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring crew safety.
“Local HAAWC production with Ferra means more skilled jobs in Australia and deeper sovereign manufacturing capability,” said Bob Ciesla, vice president, Boeing Precision Engagement Systems. “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.”
Ferra supplies precision components to various Boeing programs — including the Australian manufactured MQ-28 Ghost Bat as well as exporting components to the US for the F/A-18F Super Hornet, AH-64E Apache and P-8A Poseidon — developed as part of the Australian Defence Force’s Global Supply Chain Program. In 2023, the companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to produce wing kits for Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM ER) and Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM LR).
“We are honored to continue our 17-year-long partnership with Boeing on the HAAWC program,” said Aaron Thompson, CEO of Ferra Engineering. “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.”
Boeing's involvement in the Global Supply Chain program has significantly enhanced opportunities for the Australian industry to export products, services, and technology within Boeing's worldwide supply chain. Boeing's partnership with the Australian industry bolsters its commercial aircraft and defence products, space and satellite systems, as well as research and development initiatives, alongside the company’s operations based in Australia.
