EATS Program: RAAF Base Amberley Electronic Warfare Training

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) continues to invest in advanced training support for its fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft, with a significant contract signed in August 2022. The program, known as the Electronic Attack Air Combat Training Support (EATS) Program, is based at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland and is designed to maintain the operational readiness of these critical air combat assets.

A August 1, 2022 statement from the Australian Department of Defence announced a $109.7 million training services contract awarded to Raytheon Australia. Director General Aerospace Combat Systems, Air Commodore Leanne Lee, emphasized the importance of the upgrade, stating it would bolster the RAAF’s aviation capability into the future. The initial five-year contract focuses on ground-based simulator training, including maintenance and engineering, as well as aircrew training services encompassing instruction, courseware development, and force generation tasks.

The EATS program is not a new initiative. Raytheon Australia has been providing long-term training support and delivery services to the Air Combat Electronic Attack Systems Program Office, 82 Wing, 1 and 6 Squadrons at RAAF Base Amberley since 2022. As of December 22, 2025, personnel involved in the program were celebrating a quindecennial – a milestone marking fifteen years of service, though the exact start date of the broader program remains unclear from available information.

Economic Impact and Australian Industry Involvement

The contract is notable for its strong emphasis on Australian industry content. Air Commodore Lee stated that the Electronic Attack Air Combat Training Support contract contains more than 95 percent Australian industry content with direct economic benefit of more than $104 million to the Australian economy. The contract will employ up to 49 personnel from Raytheon Australia, alongside staff from an Australian subcontractor, Milskil. The majority of these training services are delivered directly from RAAF Base Amberley.

The Role of the Super Hornet and Growler

The F/A-18F Super Hornet has been a key component of the RAAF’s air combat fleet for over a decade. The EA-18G Growler, a specialized electronic attack aircraft, is capable of disrupting enemy electronic systems, including radars and communications. These aircraft are considered critical to RAAF’s air combat fleet, according to the Department of Defence.

The Growler’s electronic warfare capabilities are particularly significant in modern air combat. Its ability to jam and disrupt enemy signals provides a crucial advantage, allowing the RAAF to operate more effectively in contested electromagnetic environments. The training support provided by the EATS program is therefore vital to ensuring that aircrews are proficient in utilizing these advanced capabilities.

Current Status and Job Availability

As of today, February 5, 2026, a Program Manager position within the EATS program at RAAF Base Amberley has been filled. However, Raytheon continues to recruit for positions within the program, suggesting ongoing investment and expansion of capabilities. The program’s continued operation underscores the RAAF’s commitment to maintaining a highly skilled and prepared air combat force.

The investment in the EATS program reflects a broader trend in modern military aviation: the increasing importance of realistic and comprehensive training. While live-fly training remains essential, ground-based simulators offer a cost-effective and safe environment for aircrews to hone their skills and prepare for a wide range of potential combat scenarios. The focus on courseware development and force generation tasks within the contract suggests a proactive approach to anticipating future training needs and adapting to evolving threats.

The long-term nature of the contract – initially five years, with potential for extension – indicates a sustained commitment to the Super Hornet and Growler platforms. This commitment is likely driven by the strategic importance of these aircraft to Australia’s national security and its ability to project power in the Indo-Pacific region. The program’s success will be crucial in ensuring that the RAAF remains at the forefront of air combat technology and tactics.

The EATS program, represents a significant investment in both the technological capabilities and the human capital of the RAAF. By prioritizing Australian industry involvement and focusing on high-quality training, the program aims to deliver a long-term benefit to both the Australian Defence Force and the national economy.