HMAS Hobart’s embarked MR-60R helicopter ‘COBRA 16’ during first-of-class flight trials off the east coast off Australia. Photo by Lieutenant Commander Sidney Raper.

Australian MH-60R sustainment selected by US Navy

12/08/2020 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2136 Views 0 Comments

The US Navy has selected* a company to deliver sustainment support for the Royal Australian Navy’s new fleet of maritime combat helicopters.

FILE PHOTO: HMAS Hobart’s embarked MR-60R helicopter ‘COBRA 16’ during first-of-class flight trials off the east coast off Australia. Photo by Lieutenant Commander Sidney Raper.

Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky Australia will provide through-life sustainment support for the Navy’s fleet of MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopters at their maintenance, logistics and repair organisation in Nowra, NSW.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the agreement with the US Navy is a testament to the close ties between the two Navies.

“The US Navy plays a pivotal and trusted role in the ongoing provision of support to this capability,” Minister Reynolds said.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the contract would sustain the existing workforce of 140 employees and create an additional 39 new positions, including several apprenticeships, at the company’s base at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park in Nowra, NSW.

*The Royal Australian Navy is committed to a Foreign Military Sales sustainment agreement with the United States Navy and this contract is an extension of the current contract arrangements.

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