The Albanese Government has secured the future of MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet, ensuring this critical capability remains mission ready, with a $313.5 million maintenance contract that will support local businesses and jobs.
The contract with Sikorsky Australia, a Lockheed Martin company, will create 75 jobs, including 20 apprenticeships, and support another 200 highly skilled, well-paid jobs at the company's maintenance and logistics facility in Nowra.
Sikorsky Australia will provide through-life support services for the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and deliver services essential to maintaining the readiness and availability of this capability.
The funding also secures the Nowra facility's future as a potential maintenance hub that could be used by the United States Navy for repair, overhaul and upgrade support, enhancing supply chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.
MH-60R Seahawk helicopters perform a range of essential tasks, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, vertical replenishment, passenger and cargo transfer, and search and rescue missions.
The ADF currently operates 23 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, based out of Nowra, New South Wales. An additional 13 aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy:
"This contract is an important milestone in maintaining readiness and resilience for a critical Defence capability. It demonstrates our Government's commitment to providing the ADF with the resources it needs to keep Australians safe.
"This investment will create 75 jobs well-paid jobs and support another 200 jobs for locals, underscoring the Albanese Government's commitment to investment in the local Shoalhaven community and building Australia's Defence industry.
"This partnership demonstrates the strength of our local expertise and the vital role industry play in supporting our national security."
