First flight brings Queensland Loyal Wingman jobs one step closer

An historic milestone in the development of the Boeing’s ‘Loyal Wingman’ Airpower Teaming System, also known as Loyal Wingman, which will be assembled in Queensland, has been reached following its first successful test flight.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the first test flight for the Loyal Wingman was undertaken by Boeing Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force at Woomera Range Complex.

“Boeing’s Loyal Wingman has taken its maiden flight, which is great news for Queensland and Queensland jobs,” Mr Miles said.

“Queensland is set to be the primary assembly place for this unmanned defence aircraft, which is the first military aircraft to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years.”

Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said that it was exciting to see this visionary partnership with Boeing Australia begin to take flight.

“This important milestone brings the assembly of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System one step closer to Queensland,” Mr Dick said.

“The Boeing Airpower Teaming System project will mean more high-skilled jobs, local supply opportunities and defence industry stimulus for Queensland as we continue to recover and grow from the COVID pandemic.

“It further demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to advanced manufacturing and will further reinforce Queensland’s status as a centre for defence industries as part of our Economic Recovery Plan for COVID-19.”

The Palaszczuk Government announced in October last year that it had partnered with Boeing Australia to make Queensland the home of the primary final assembly facility for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.

Media contact: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875