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)
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
-
What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
-
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
-
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129
The F-15EX Eagle II had already been singled out for further funding in January 2025, when it was chosen to replace the A-10 aircraft for the US National Guard.
-
Spain earmarks $1.6 billion for Hurjet trainer aircraft acquisition
Spain’s Defence Minister told the Senate Defense Commission on 27 June of the decision to acquire Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) trainers as the country seeks to replace its Northrop F-5M aircraft.