The pair of attack helicopters, acquired through foreign military sales with the US and manufactured by Boeing, were delivered by United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster to RAAF Base Townsville.
Sweden and New Zealand are among international militaries still operating the aircraft, while the Australian Defence Force grounded its MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet after a fatal crash during Talisman Sabre 2023.
Australia’s first MQ-4C Triton Remotely Piloted Aircraft System – “AUS 1” – to be operated by the Royal Australian Air Force was reportedly deployed for an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission during the exercise earlier this year.
The contract is a key component of Boeing’s participation in the Australian government’s Global Supply Chain Program, which aims to enhance collaboration with local suppliers and strengthen the Australian defence industry.
The subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, which sustains and maintains the Australian Defence Force’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet, is expected to provide another 100 positions of growth by 2028, including 60 roles in maintenance.
The Australian government has expressed its concerns to the Chinese government following the incident involving People’s Liberation Army–Air Force aircraft on 19 October this year. The RAAF aircraft was operating within international law while conducting a maritime surveillance patrol in the South China Sea at the time.
iscover
