Australia expects to receive its first UH-60M Black Hawk aircraft made by Lockheed Martin‘s (NYSE: LMT) Sikorsky subsidiary within the year as part of an approximately $1.95 billion foreign military sale agreement with the U.S.
The Australian defense ministry said Wednesday its army will be provided with 40 multimission military helicopters, which will be based in Oakey, Queensland, and Holsworthy, New South Wales.
In August 2022, the U.S. State Department cleared Australia’s request to buy the Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment such as counter-missile warning systems, engines and spares, maintenance and avionics trainers, radar warning receivers as well as radar warning receivers.
The Australian industry will contribute to the program through a range of services including logistics support, training development and engineering.
A defense official commented that the UH-60Ms will be used for troop and equipment deployment in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
“This acquisition will mean we can continue to defend Australia and respond in times of need in a safe and effective way for years to come,” said Maj. Gen. Jeremy King, Australian defense’ head land capability.
