Boeing has selected Australian firm Ferra Engineering to manufacture wing kits for its High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability, marking another step in expanding defense manufacturing in Australia. The deal deepens an existing partnership and will see Ferra establish local production capacity in Queensland for the advanced anti-submarine warfare system.
The HAAWC system allows P-8A Poseidon aircraft to deploy Mk 54 torpedoes from much higher altitudes and greater distances than previously possible. Using a wing kit with GPS-assisted guidance, the weapon can glide to its target area before releasing the torpedo, while also retaining the ability to operate independently of GPS through inertial navigation.
Operating at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet, HAAWC removes the need for dangerous low-level flight, significantly improving aircraft survivability and reducing operational risk. The approach also shortens mission timelines and lowers fuel consumption, making it well suited for long-range maritime patrol operations across the Indo-Pacific region.
The agreement adds to Ferra’s growing portfolio of defense work with Boeing, including supply roles on the MQ-28 Ghost Bat and export components for major US and allied platforms. It also follows a 2023 memorandum of understanding between the companies covering future wing kit production for extended-range JDAM precision-guided munitions.
