<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>338572</docID> <postdate>2025-02-19 09:34:04</postdate> <headline>Black Hawk helicopters to join Australian defence fleet</headline> <body><p><img class=" wp-image-338573" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20241029134354660254-original-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="678" height="452" /></p> <caption>Following testing and training, 12 UH-M60M Black Hawks have joined the defence force's fleets, (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p class="wire-column__preview__author"><span class="kicker-line">By <b>Andrew Brown</b> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>A dozen Black Hawk helicopters will be rolled out by the Australian Defence Force to be used as part of emergency and counter-terrorism operations.</strong></p> <p>Following testing and training, 12 UH-M60M Black Hawks have joined the defence force's fleets, with a further seven to be added by the end off the year.</p> <p>The Black Hawks, which were fast-tracked from the United States, were brought in to replace the problem-ridden MRH-90 Taipan helicopters.</p> <p>The Taipans were pulled from service more than a year early in 2023 following a crash off the Queensland coast which killed four people on board during military drills.</p> <p>Defence Minister Richard Marles said the acquisition of the Black Hawks and testing was one of the fastest in history of the Australian Defence Force.</p> <p>"These helicopters will contribute to the security of our nation and help keep Australians safe," he said.</p> <p>"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."</p> <p>The Black Hawks will operate out of bases in Oakey in Queensland and Holsworthy in NSW.</p> <p>As part of its role, the helicopters will be involved in domestic emergencies as well as providing support to overseas allies in the Indo-Pacific.</p> <p>It is also expected the Black Hawks will be able to support counter-terrorism operations in Australia.</p> <p>Defence Industry Ministry Pat Conroy said the helicopters would be a critical asset to the ADF.</p> <p>"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," he said.</p> <p>There will be 40 Black Hawks in the Australian fleet by 2030.</p> </body>