Australian Government has announced the expansion of the MH-60R helicopter fleet – the MH-60R Seahawk , the most advanced maritime helicopter with unmatched capabilities across a multitude of roles.
Through this acquisition, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will acquire 13 additional MH-60Rs from the United States Navy, increasing its operational rotary wing fleet to 36. The 13th MH-60R mentioned here will replace the loss of a Romeo in the Philippines Sea in October 2021.
The RAN currently operates 23 MH-60Rs with 725 and 816SQNs and Nowra, which were acquired through AIR 9000 Phase 8, the last of which was delivered in September 2016. Like the original fleet, the new aircraft will be employed in both combat and fleet support roles.
For Australia , Instead of operating two aircraft types , the new machines will provide the RAN with a common fleet of 36 helicopters.
Lockheed Martin’s company, Sikorsky Australia, is the RAN’s industry partner for delivering comprehensive deep maintenance services and intermediate level maintenance support for the MH-60R Seahawk.
For over 30 years, Sikorsky Australia has proudly sustained the RAN’s Seahawks and the Australian Army’s Black Hawk helicopters, while steadily building its sovereign industrial base in support of the Australian Defence Force’s rotary-wing mission requirements.
The Sikorsky Australia team has grown to a 250-strong workforce, with 195 skilled aviation engineers, technicians, and training and logistics employees based at the Nowra headquarters dedicated to maintaining the fleet of MH-60R Seahawks.
In October 2021 the US State Department approved the sale of an additional 12 Lockheed Martin MH-60R Sea Hawk naval combat helicopters to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
Lockheed Martin Australia Chief Executive Warren McDonald welcomed the Maritime Helicopter capability expansion. He said,
“This additional growth further enhances the Royal Australian Navy’s rotary-wing capability and increases operational flexibility to transition from anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare to maritime utility and support missions using the multi-role capability of the MH-60R Seahawk.”
“The expanded MH-60R Seahawk fleet provides strong economic opportunities for Australian industry that will generate more employment, supply chain spending, and partnerships with small to medium enterprises in the Shoalhaven region.
“Our Sikorsky Australia team has an exceptional track record as a trusted partner to the Royal Australian Navy in sustaining this critical capability with excellence.
“We welcome the opportunity to expand on this mission to protect Australia’s national interests,” Mr. McDonald said.
Courtesy : Lockheed Martin
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