The Albanese Government is working closely with the United States and United Kingdom to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s battlefield aviation capability, with H135 ‘Juno’ helicopters and more UH-60M Black Hawks to arrive in 2024.
The United States is expediting delivery of three extra Black Hawk helicopters in 2024, seeing a total of 12 aircraft on our shores by the end of this year.
The Australian Army will also receive early delivery of a Black Hawk aircrew training simulator and other essential items.
The remaining 28 Black Hawks will continue to arrive in Australia according to a schedule of deliveries between 2025 and 2029.
To support essential training requirements for Army aircrew, Australia will procure five H135 ‘Juno’ training helicopters from the United Kingdom.
Australia and the United Kingdom Government are working closely together to bring the training helicopters to Australia, with operations expected to commence in Oakey, Queensland, by mid-year.
The planned lease length is for five years. The lease arrangement will be funded from within Defence’s existing budget.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
“We are grateful to both the United Kingdom and the United States for their support to enhance Army’s battlefield aviation capability.”
“We need a highly capable Army. When the tough but necessary decision was made last year to expedite the withdrawal of the MRH-90s from service, it meant that we needed to look at all options when it came to filling the capability gap and providing the necessary training our servicemen and women need.
“We have been working with the United States and United Kingdom on ways in which we can bridge this gap, and their support and willingness with the acceleration of the Black Hawks and leasing of training helicopters will have a significant impact.”
