General News
11 July, 2025
Black Hawks arrive
Three Sikorsky UH 60 Black Hawk helicopters have arrived at Oakey’s Army Aviation Training Centre, the first group of what is set to be a fleet of 18 based in the town by the end of the decade.
The US-constructed Black Hawks, which are replacing the European-MRH 90 Taipan fleet, have a shelf life of around 20 years.
It is expected that the UH 60s will be easier to acquire parts for and maintain, a process which was difficult with the MRH 90 fleet.
Outside of Army operations, the Black Hawks are well equipped to assist with civilian matters, and in times of natural disaster, such as severe floods.
The Australian Army 5th Aviation Regiment B Squadron is moving from Townsville to Oakey as part of the platform changeover.
Australian Army Aviation Commander Major David Hafner returned to the town where he had once lived, two streets behind Cornetts SupaIGA shopping complex, to make the official announcement yesterday.
“The US Army has been key to acquiring the Black Hawks,” he said.
“We’re very lucky to be working with our partners at Lockheed Martin Australia, who will provide maintenance and supply support.”
The arrival of the Black Hawks in Oakey has been preceded by a ramp up of operations at the Swartz Barracks base this year.
Currently, a team of 35-40 Lockheed Martin workers is based on site, a number which is expected to grow as more Black Hawks arrive.
Pilot Instructor Ben Richardson is one of these Lockheed Martin employees, who have moved to Toowoomba to work at the Base and plan to stay here.
“To be a pilot, you need to have good team skills to work with your air crew, good hand-eye coordination, and information processing skills to communicate effectively with air traffic control,” he said.
“I’ll be here in Oakey long as the Black Hawks are here, and I’m working!”
By the end of the year, two more Black Hawks are expected to arrive at Oakey.
In total, 40 Sikorsky UH 60 helicopters will be based in Australia, with 22 at Sydney’s Holsworthy Barracks, and a further 18 at Swartz Barracks.
