Black Hawk fleet bolsters Australia’s security
19 February 2025
The Albanese Government has again demonstrated it is rapidly getting crucial defence capability into the hands of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with the achievement of initial operating capability of the Australian Army’s UH-60M Black Hawks, marking one of the fastest initial phases of a capability acquisition in recent times.
15 months after the first aircraft commenced flying in 2023, the completion of essential testing, evaluation and training activities has 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.
The accelerated delivery of the aircraft from the United States means a continued enhancement of the ADF’s battlefield aviation capability. As part of the initial Black Hawk delivery, the Australian Army has also received maintenance and aircrew training simulators, and critical communication and navigation systems.
A further seven aircraft are 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.
Army will continue to develop the UH-60M Black Hawk capability to meet Defence’s broader utility helicopter requirements for land, amphibious and special operations.
Source: Defence Press Release