Australia seeks to escape self-inflicted helicopter morass (Opinion)
The Australian Army has retired its S-70A-9 Black Hawks. These examples are flying over Timor-Leste in a peacekeeping mission. (Gordon Arthur)
How is it that Australia repeatedly gets itself into hot water with the operation of helicopter fleets?
Australia has a spotty record in terms of military helicopter procurements, with the MRH90, Tiger and SH-2G Super Seasprite all examples of procurements that went wrong.
The observer must ask why it is so hard for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to learn lessons from past mistakes.
Late last year, Defence Minister Peter Dutton announced that the ADF will phase out its troubled fleet of MRH90 Taipans (the Australian name for the NH90) in favour of up to 40 UH-60M Black Hawks.
Dutton, who seems more decisive than his predecessors, conceded: ‘The Black Hawk makes perfect sense, and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)]()
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet remains in the limelight more than 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and details everything you need to know about the aircraft in 2026.
-
![January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026]()
January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026
The first month of 2026 has seen activity in the MALE, rotary-wing, and loitering munition UAV markets, with significant investments and commitments from Germany, Turkey, the UAE and the US. At the same time, questions over loitering munition performance in Ukraine highlight the growing scrutiny alongside rising demand.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.
-
![British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026]()
British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026
Known as Project Nyx, the loyal wingman developed from this initiative will accompany the Apache 64-E and be used to complement tanks and artillery.
