The new fleet of ABF aircraft will include eight Beech King Airs (pictured) and three long-range Bombardier Global 6500s. Image: Metrea.
A new contract to provide aerial surveillance of Australia’s maritime approaches has been awarded by the Department of Home Affairs’ Australian Border Force (ABF) to US-based company Matrea.
The contract will see Matrea replace aircraft currently operated by Leidos Australia on behalf of the ABF, with eight Beechcraft King Airs and three Bombardier Global 6500 business jets.
All of the new aircraft will be configured with radar and optical sensors and comprehensive communications systems to provide what the ABF says will be “short and long‑range aerial surveillance with enhanced national coverage”.
The new contract will take effect from 1 January, 2028, and the ABF says “transition arrangements are in place to manage continuity of aerial surveillance operations” until then.
Matrea operates several para-public contracts, including former Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135R tankers for air-to-air refuelling services for the US Department of Defense.
The company’s program manager Rory Morse said the ABF contract was an exciting moment for Metrea.
“This contract reflects our strong track record in delivering complex surveillance operations around the world, and we are proud of the trust the Australian Government has placed in our team,” Mr Morse said.
“Our focus remains on operational excellence, dependable delivery, and seamless collaboration to support our customers’ mission requirements every day.”
The current Civil Maritime Surveillance Contract (CMSC) operated by Leidos Australia uses six missionised DHC-8-200 and four DHC-8-300 Dash 8 aircraft, all of which are equipped with SeaVue surface search radars and advanced electro-optical sensors, and sophisticated communications suites.
The Australian Border Force aerial surveillance mission is currently conducted by 10 DHC-8 Dash 8 aircraft equipped with advanced radar and optical sensors. Photo: Leidos.
Leidos took over the CMSC mission when it acquired Cobham Aviation Services’ Special Missions business in October 2022.
While the aircraft, maintenance and administration are currently based at Adelaide Airport, the Dash 8s are deployed to locations such as Cairns, Darwin and Broome to conduct fisheries and immigration patrols, mainly over Australia’s northern waters.
Leidos Australia also operates four Bombardier Challenger 604 jets on behalf of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for maritime safety, search-and-rescue, and marine pollution response, and this separate contract is scheduled to run until the end of 2030.
