The Australian government has invested a total of $830 million to sustain and support the Australian Army’s future helicopter fleet, creating hundreds of jobs in the local industry.
As part of the massive investment, a five-year, $340 million contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Australia to deliver integrated support for Australia’s Black Hawk helicopters.
The Black Hawk will serve as a critical capability for the Australian Defence Force, supporting the deployment of troops and equipment, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Work on the project will create hundreds of jobs in Queensland and New South Wales.
A central warehouse will also be established in Western Sydney.
Meanwhile, Boeing Defence Australia received two contracts to support the AH-64E Apache platform and CH-47F Chinook Fleet. These projects are expected to deliver more than 230 new jobs across Queensland.
The seven-year, $306 million initial support contract will require Boeing to deliver maintenance, engineering, training, and logistical services for the Apache helicopter.
The Apache helicopter fleet will be based in Townsville from 2025 where it is estimated more than 150 jobs will be created, with a further 50 jobs in Brisbane and 30 jobs in Oakey.
Additionally, Boeing secured a contract extension for its Chinook integrated support services, extending it to August 2028 and increasing the total contract value from $146 million to $184 million.
The Chinook project employs 70 local personnel in Townsville, Oakey, and Brisbane.
Australia’s defence industry is a crucial part of delivering the critical capabilities needed to keep the nation safe, said Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
“These investments in the Black Hawk, Apache and Chinook fleets will support workers and industry,” Marles said. “The Albanese Government is making the important decisions when it comes to sustainment, and at the heart of that is local Australian jobs.”
“The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to support the Australian defence industry and provide ADF personnel with the enhanced capabilities they need to do their job and keep Australians safe,” said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.
