The U.S. State Department approved the possible sale to Australia of up to 40 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to replace the MRH-90 Taipan.
As already announced since the end of 2021, the Australian Army, very dissatisfied with the results obtained with the fleet of MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, decided that it was no longer worth investing resources in them, and they will be replaced by the American Black Hawk helicopters.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) issued a press release detailing the U.S. offer, which is worth around US$ 1.95 billion.
The main items included in the offer are the following:
- 40 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters
- 88 T700-GE 701D engines (8 spares)
- 44 AN/AAR-57 countermeasures systems (4 spares)
- 96 INS/GPS H-764U navigation systems (16 spares)
Then there is a long list of equipment including encrypted radios, weather radars, EO/Laser WESCAM MX-10D targeting systems, self-defense equipment, armor plating, stretchers, rapid descent ropes, pylons for external loads, modern navigation and data presentation equipment, etc.
Logistic and training items for ground personnel and future UH-60M crews are also included in the document.
The U.S. is offering a comprehensive contract and very well equipped helicopters. Australia may choose to take the offer as presented, or negotiate the removal of some items to reduce the final price.
See also: Australian Army seeks to replace its troubled MRH-90 Taipan with Black Hawks
The UH-60M purchase is motivated by the multitude of logistical, parts quality and software problems that affected the availability and flight safety of Taipan aircraft, forcing the Australian Defence Force to ground the entire helicopter fleet on several occasions.
