US to accelerate UH-60M Black Hawk delivery to Australia
Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters have been chosen as the replacement for Australia's MRH-90 Taipan helicopters following a crash in Queensland. (Photo: Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin)
Following recent discussions between representatives from both countries, the US DoD is expediting the delivery of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Australia.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles have met US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin to discuss the acceleration of the UH-60M Black Hawk transfer to Australia.
The Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters have been chosen as the replacement for Australia's MRH-90 Taipan helicopters. The decision came in the wake of an MRH-90 helicopter crash in Queensland during Exercise Talisman Sabre on July 28, which led to the grounding of the entire fleet.
‘The future of our relationship, and especially our defence cooperation, looks brighter than ever,’ Austin remarked on 31 October during the meeting. ‘We share a vision with our friends across the Indo-Pacific of a region that is free, open and secure. We’re committed to making that vision a reality.’
Austin added that both Australia and the US confront common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including destabilising actions and the presence of China.
Marles expressed his country’s gratitude to the US for speeding the delivery of the helicopters.
‘This is something that we really appreciate and is an example of America standing up in a moment in which we really need it,’ he said.
Earlier this year, three new US-built UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters arrived in Australia to be operated by the Australian Army.
Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky will exhibit at the Dubai Airshow between 13 and 17 November.
Shephard's Dubai Airshow 2023 coverage is sponsored by:
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Dubai Airshow 2023 | View all news
-
![South Korea and Boeing to jointly research long-endurance aerial UAVs]()
South Korea and Boeing to jointly research long-endurance aerial UAVs
Boeing and South Korea have solidified plans that would see Boeing UAV design and technology capabilities implemented locally by South Korean companies.
-
![Ukraine fields 5,000 homegrown drones amid Iran's debut of advanced Shahed-238 UAV]()
Ukraine fields 5,000 homegrown drones amid Iran's debut of advanced Shahed-238 UAV
Amid escalating tensions and technological advancements in drone warfare, Ukraine has reinforced its front lines with a delivery of 5,000 indigenous drones, paralleled by Iran's revelation of the new jet-powered Shahed-238.
-
![Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C]()
Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C
The updated E-99M aircraft features an updated Erieye Radar and C2 systems, as well as new EW and Identification, friend or foe (IFF) systems.
-
![Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft]()
Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft
A new agreement between Leonardo, the Italian government and Slovenia has marked the procurement of a second C-27J Spartan medium tactical transport aircraft for Slovenia, following an earlier deal signed in March 2022.
-
![Boeing shifts towards low-rate MH-139A Grey Wolf production]()
Boeing shifts towards low-rate MH-139A Grey Wolf production
Boeing's progress in the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter programme have marked a milestone in the transition toward low-rate initial production, following the delivery of the final test aircraft to the US Air Force.
-
![Boeing and Red 6 make moves on airborne augmented reality training]()
Boeing and Red 6 make moves on airborne augmented reality training
Boeing and augmented reality training specialist Red 6 have achieved notable progress in integrating advanced technology into training aircraft.
