According to the global prime at an event in its Canberra headquarters, the program will enable local companies to sell into the global air and missile defence system enterprise.
The eight aircraft – KAI T-50B Golden Eagles – made their impromptu appearance before they perform at Avalon next week.
The deal with CPB Contractors will include new and upgraded engineering services, building refurbishment work and additional transit living-in accommodation.
The deployment is part of Operation Argos to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea and deter illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods in the region.
The Australian government initially announced its intention to sell the aircraft to Air USA – now rebranded as RAVN Aerospace – in March 2020, with initial delivery three or four years from that date.
The first of five turboprop military transport aircraft set to retire, NZ7003, made its final flight from RNZAF Base Auckland to Base Woodbourne on February 9.