Defence minister Kevin Andrews said Lockheed Martin Australia had been selected as the preferred tenderer for the new Australian Defence Force Pilot Training System.

BAE Systems, based in Tamworth, bid for the tender and currently holds the Basic Flying Training System contract, with the Defence Department announcing the city will continue to provide the Australian Defence Force with basic pilot training until the end of 2019.

The permanent 25-year contract, announced on Sunday, will see the Australian Defence Force’s Basic Flying Training delivered from RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria, from 2019. 

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies AO, CSC said that the new training system is about much more than just acquiring a new aircraft.

“The new pilot training system will enable us to use the latest in simulator technology that can be adapted to student needs and different learning styles to allow students to progress through training faster,” Air Marshal Davies said.

“This will create efficiencies for pilot training and allow more flexibility for our student pilots.”

Air Marshal Davies said the Defence Department had conducted a thorough and comprehensive tender evaluation and Lockheed Martin Australia’s tender locating the Basic Flying System at RAAF Base Sale provides a training system that will meet Defence’s needs and represents the best value for money outcome over 25 years.

He said the Defence Department would work closely with BAE over the next four years to actively promote the unique flight training opportunities offered at Tamworth.

Full story in Monday's edition of The Leader.