The Albanese Government has secured the future of MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet, ensuring this critical capability remains mission ready, with a $314 million maintenance contract that will support local businesses and jobs.
The contract with Sikorsky Australia, a Lockheed Martin company, will create 75 jobs, including 20 apprenticeships, and support another 200 highly skilled, well-paid jobs at the company’s maintenance and logistics facility in Nowra.
Sikorsky Australia will provide through-life support services for the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and deliver services essential to maintaining the readiness and availability of this capability.
The funding also secures the Nowra facility’s future as a potential maintenance hub that could be used by the United States Navy for repair, overhaul and upgrade support, enhancing supply chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.
MH-60R Seahawk helicopters perform a range of essential tasks, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, vertical replenishment, passenger and cargo transfer, and search and rescue missions.
The ADF currently operates 23 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, based out of Nowra, New South Wales. An additional 13 aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2026.
