PM unveils Romeo, Apache plan
9 May 2022
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has detailed the government’s plans to deliver 12 additional MH-60R Romeo maritime helicopters and 29 AH-64E Apache Armed Reconnaissance helicopters, with deliveries expected from 2025.
The contract for the Romeos, which are scheduled to replace the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of Taipans, is valued at over $2.5 billion, with an additional $360 million earmarked for base upgrades at HMAS Albatross for the fleet.
Along with the 12 MH-60R Romeos, also known as the Seahawk, it is expected that Defence will also acquire an additional unit to substitute the helicopter that was lost in 2021.
The Commonwealth has also confirmed that it has finalised plans to acquire 29 AH-64E Apaches, to replace the Australian Army’s fleet of Tigers, at a cost of over $5.5 billion.
“The Apache is a proven and reliable attack helicopter which is already in use by the United States Government and United Kingdom, and has improved sensors, communications and networking systems, attack capabilities and survivability.”
The Prime Minister’s plan comes nearly a year after the US State Department approved the sale of 29 Apaches to the Australian government alongside spare parts, training and operational equipment.
The deal consisted of 29 AH-64E Apache Helicopters with a number of spare parts for ongoing maintenance and sustainment of the aircraft. Additional sale items include 64 T700-GE 701D engines, of which six will be held as spare by the ADF, 29 pilot night vision sensors and radar frequency interferometers, 16 fire control radars, 70 GPS units, 35 missile warning systems and 85 Hellfire missiles. The US State Department has confirmed that there will be numerous other training aids and operational tools included in the deal.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale of the Apache to the Australian government will support strengthened interoperability between the US and Australia.
Source: Defence Connect