Sikorsky Australia has been selected by the US Navy to deliver sustainment support for the RAN’s new fleet of maritime combat helicopters.
Sikorsky Australia, a Lockheed Martin company, 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 under a $200 million contract.
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 play a pivotal and trusted role in the ongoing provision of support to this capability,” Minister Reynolds said.
The RAN has established a Foreign Military Sales sustainment agreement with the US Navy and this contract is an extension of the current contract arrangements.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the contract with Sikorsky demonstrates the opportunities that can be realised for Australian industry under a Foreign Military Sales arrangement.
“Based at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park in Nowra, this contract will sustain the existing workforce of 140 employees and create an additional 39 new positions, including several apprenticeships in the Shoalhaven Region of NSW,” Minister Price said.