The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has access to the first of 40 new Black Hawk helicopters, after an accelerated delivery program from the United States.
Deputy Prime and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the initial operating capability of 12 Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawks marked one of the fastest initial phases of a capability acquisition in recent times.
Minister Marles said 15 months after the first aircraft commenced flying in 2023, the completion of essential testing, evaluation and training activities had occurred alongside the establishment of a robust fleet support and maintenance system.
“The initial operational capability ensures the 12 Black Hawks are able to support counter-terrorism operations in Australia and remediate capability gaps associated with the withdrawal from service of the MRH90 Taipan fleet,” he said.
“The accelerated delivery of the aircraft from the United States means a continued enhancement of the ADF’s battlefield aviation capability.”
Minister Marles said as part of the initial Black Hawk delivery, the Australian Army had also received maintenance and aircrew training simulators, and critical communication and navigation systems.
He said a further seven aircraft were scheduled for delivery in 2025, with all 40 aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2030.
“Lockheed Martin Australia will work with the ADF as part of the integrated support contract for the Black Hawk helicopters to create a domestic maintenance, repair and overhaul network.
“This is creating more than 200 jobs through the establishment of an embedded workforce and platform services in Holsworthy, NSW, Brisbane and Oakey, QLD, and the development of a central warehouse in Western Sydney.”
