Australia to spend $2bn on fleet of US Black Hawk helicopters

The Black Hawks exchange Australia’s fleet of European-designed Taipan helicopters that are being retired a decade early.

Members of Australia's Particular Forces Counter Terrorism squad abseil from Black Hawk helicopters in Sydney, Australia [File: Reuters]

Australia has introduced it's going to ditch its fleet of European-designed Taipan army helicopters a decade sooner than scheduled, changing them with 40 Black Hawk choppers from the USA at an estimated price of two.8 billion Australian dollars ($1.97bn).

US producer Lockheed Martin Corp’s UH-60M Black Hawks will exchange Australia’s fleet of MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, which have been plagued for years by expensive upkeep points, Defence Minister Richard Marles stated on Wednesday.

“We’ve simply not received the flying hours out of the Taipan that we would wish,” Marles informed ABC Information. “We’re assured that we will get that from the Black Hawks. It’s a platform we’re accustomed to.”

The French authorities has a big stake in Airbus – the European aerospace firm that manufactures the Taipans – and Paris had been urging Australia to maintain its 40-strong fleet.

Marles stated he had spoken along with his French counterpart a number of instances and was assured the US helicopter deal “gained’t interrupt” the renewed relationship with France.

In an announcement, Airbus stated it “acknowledges” the choice and that Australia remained a key marketplace for the corporate.

Royal Australian Navy aircrew from the 808 Squadron beside their MRH90 Taipan helicopter in Wollongong, Australia in November 2021. Australia will ditch its fleet of European-designed Taipans and as an alternative purchase US Black Hawks [File: Kylie Gibson/ADF through AP]

Dropping the Taipans comes as relations between Paris and Canberra had warmed following Australia’s determination in 2021 to ditch French-made submarines for nuclear subs to be constructed by the USA and the UK.

The shock transfer by Australia’s then-conservative authorities to abruptly rip up the 90-billion-dollar ($62bn) settlement with France for the availability of submarines sparked a bitter diplomatic dispute and relations plummeted.

On the top of the controversy, French President Emmanuel Macron accused Australia’s then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison of mendacity concerning the deal, and Paris recalled its ambassador from Canberra.

Marles stated he was assured that the helicopter deal wouldn't injury relations with France, which had been considerably repaired for the reason that submarine row.

“Crucial factor right here is coping with the French in an sincere means,” he informed nationwide broadcaster ABC.

The acquisition of Black Hawks comes as Australia strikes to spice up defence spending amid China stepping up its presence within the Indo-Pacific area.

Australian Main Basic Jeremy King stated the Black Hawks would meet the nation’s strategic wants.

“This acquisition will imply we will proceed to defend Australia and reply in instances of want in a protected and efficient means for years to return,” King informed ABC Information.