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Ex-ADF director is new Sikorsky general manager

written by Adam Thorn | July 6, 2021

Malcolm Wright began the new role on 1 July and will lead the business’ 250-strong workforce in six locations

A former ADF director who oversaw the acquisition of 24 Seahawk Romeos has been appointed as the new general manager of Sikorsky Australia.

Malcolm Wright began the new role on 1 July and will lead the business’ 250-strong workforce in six locations around the country to enhance aviation sustainment operations.

The business, owned by Lockheed Martin, said he would focus on continuing to provide comprehensive sustainment services to RAN’s MH-60R Seahawk fleet, Army’s S-70A-9 Black Hawks and regional Sikorsky helicopter operators.

“Malcolm’s extensive service in Australian aviation, brings significant experience and expertise to the Sikorsky Australia team,” Joe North, Chief Executive Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand said.

Malcolm has served more than 20 years in national security spanning the RAN, Customs and Border Protection and the Australian Public Service Commission.

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His most recent service was Director, Navy Aviation Acquisition Programs. His service also included both training and operational roles in an exchange in the UK as a Helicopter Warfare Instructor, development of maritime counter-terrorist helicopter operations in Australia, and command of RAN Helicopter Squadron 816 (Sikorsky Seahawk Squadron).

Wright holds a Master of Science (Management) Degree at Salve Regina University, U.S.

“I look forward to working closely with our highly skilled engineers, logistics and support staff maintaining Australian Sikorsky military helicopters along with providing regional military and commercial Maintenance Repair and Overhaul services,” said Wright.

In May, Australian Aviation reported how the US Navy has awarded a $10 million contract extension to Sikorsky Australia for the local sustainment of RAN’s fleet of 24 MH-60R Romeo multi-mission helicopters.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the deal would generate 10 new jobs in the Shoalhaven region.

RAN purchased the aircraft through the two countries’ foreign military sales (FMS) agreement, which allows the US Navy to grant subcontracts for sustainment of the finished aircraft from within Australia.

“This new contract recognises the increased skill and expertise of the Australian workforce as this would previously have been completed in the United States,” Minister Price said.

“The increase in services provided by Sikorsky Australia will continue to boost Australia’s defence industry and broaden the ongoing opportunities available to local companies to support the Romeo fleet.”

Sikorsky Australia, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, is expected to undertake ongoing sustainment support from its maintenance, logistics and repair facility in Nowra, NSW.

“The broad scope and enduring nature of the Australia-United States Alliance offers mutual benefit to both our nations,” Minister Price added. “This allows for the ongoing provision of support to Australia’s next-generation maritime combat helicopters.

“The contract expansion demonstrates the strong ties between our navies and highlights the internationally recognised strength of Australia’s defence industry.”

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