DEFENCE CONNECT: The Royal Australian Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet has successfully surpassed 50,000 flight hours over the ten years since they were introduced into RAN service. Sikorsky Australia, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, provides deep maintenance of the helicopters on behalf of the RAN. It employs over 200 personnel at its sustainment and logistics hub at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park in Nowra, including 20 apprentices. The company works with a local supply chain of 60 Australian companies.

With the recent announcement that Australia will acquire 13 additional MH-60R helicopters as part of the AUKUS-aligned push for increased naval readiness, Sikorsky Australia’s workforce is expected to grow to approximately 300 personnel within five years.

Two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters circle HMAS Warramunga, HMAS Stuart and HMAS Toowoomba as the ships prepare to weigh anchor to conduct ASWEX 25.