Boeing has selected Brisbane, Australia-based Ferra Engineering to build wing kits that triple the effective range of the Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM ER) and allow aircrews to deploy the weapon from beyond the range of an enemy's air defense system.

The Royal Australian Air Force became Boeing's first JDAM ER customer in 2011. Boeing builds JDAM weapons in its St. Charles, Mo., facility, about 25 miles west of St. Louis.

"Boeing has been in Australia for 86 years and we have many great local industrial partners doing work across our commercial and defense product lines," said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security. "Ferra, an innovative, high-technology company, is a leader in that group."

Ferra was Boeing's 2011 International Supplier of the Year. It also does work for the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter and Commercial Aviation Services group.

"This announcement is another example of how Boeing's investment in technology and innovation in Australia is paying off for industry and our customers," Muilenburg said.

Ian Thomas, president of Boeing Australia and South Pacific, added that the contract "is an all-around win for Australia, for Boeing, and for one of Australia's leading aerospace companies as we combine our expertise to provide the best solutions and products."