Australia’s Department of Defence has announced the initial operating capability of the army’s UH-60M Black Hawk medium-lift utility helicopter.

The milestone is part of Canberra’s nearly $2-billion program to replace the force’s MRH-90 Taipan rotary wing fleet in service since 2007 and retired in December 2024.

Delivery of the US-made aircraft began in August 2023 which was immediately followed by the system’s maiden flight in Australian territories.

Twelve Black Hawks have been supplied for the effort, which will include as many as 40 aircraft. They will be deployed for counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and other missions previously assigned to their predecessors.

An Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from 6th Aviation Regiment takes off from Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney. *** Local Caption *** The Australian Army has taken deliver of the first three UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and already commenced flying operations. The Army will take delivery of a total of 40 UH-60M Black Hawks, which will operate from Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney and Oakey in South-East Queensland. Black Hawk helicopters provide Army with the modern, credible and sustainable aviation capability it needs to meet the contemporary challenges of warfare. The next tranche of Black Hawk helicopters is expected early 2024.
An Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. Photo: SGT Tristan Kennedy/Australian Army

The Australian defense agency noted that seven more UH-60Ms are expected to arrive later this year, with the remainder to be shipped by 2030.

“The Albanese Government continues to invest in advanced capabilities for our Defence Force. These helicopters will contribute to the security of our nation and help keep Australians safe,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated.

“The delivery of this capability signifies one of the fastest initial phases of a capability acquisition in recent times, and showcases the optimisation of the Australian Army in order to meet our strategic circumstances.”

“This capability is yet another indication of the strength of our alliance with the United States, and their support for increasing our capability and delivering an integrated, focused force.”

Bolstering Local Industry, International Cooperation

Canberra said that the primary contractor and Black Hawk developer Lockheed Martin will cover domestic sustainment and repairs for the new helicopters alongside corresponding deliveries from the US.

Additional work under the initiative encompasses the construction of a dedicated hangar facility and UH-60 aircrew training in Sydney, as well as in-house Black Hawk development in the army for future land, amphibious, and special operations requirements.

Throughout the program, the government is projected to support over 200 opportunities across New South Wales, Brisbane, Holsworthy, Queensland, and Oakey.

A Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter is seen flying over a desert plains. The dry, almost barren ground below has a pale yellow color. The helicopter's four spinning blades are blurry from its rotation. The helicopter's paint is dark green.
The UH-60M Black Hawks are twin-engine, medium-lift military helicopters designed to take on various roles. Photo: Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin

“The acquisition of these Black Hawks is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams across Defence and industry who have worked tirelessly to bring this capability into service,” Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stated.

“Their rapid delivery also demonstrates the strength of our alliance with the United States. We thank them for the tremendous support they have provided in delivering this important capability for our Defence Force and for Australia.”

Lockheed Martin’s Black Hawk

The 64-foot (20-meter) UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter can carry up to 11 troops, 3,190 pounds (1,447 kilograms) of internal payload, or about 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms) of external cargo.

The aircraft can be armed with machine guns, miniguns, electric Gatling guns, unguided rockets, multi-domain missiles, and minefield launchers.

It is fitted with two General Electric T700-GE-701C/D turboshaft engines with approximately 1,900 horsepower each for a top speed of 160 knots (185 miles/296 kilometers per hour).

The helicopter can fly at an altitude of up to 19,000 feet (5,791 meters) and cover a range of up to 1,200 nautical miles (1,381 miles/2,222 kilometers).