The Albanese Government has secured the future of the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet, with a $314 million maintenance contract that will create 75 new jobs, including 20 apprenticeships. 

In addition, another 200 highly skilled, well-paid positions in maintenance and logistics will be supported.

The contract is awarded to Sikorsky Australia, a Lockheed Martin company, which will provide through-life support services for the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. These services are essential for maintaining the readiness and operational availability of this critical capability.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) currently operates 23 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, based in Nowra and an additional 13 aircraft are set to be delivered by the end of 2026.

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, said, "This investment will create 75 well-paid jobs and support another 200 jobs for locals, underscoring the Albanese Government’s commitment to investment in the local Shoalhaven community and building Australia’s Defence industry."

The MH-60R Seahawk helicopters perform a range of essential tasks, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, vertical replenishment, passenger and cargo transfer, and search and rescue missions.

Minister Conroy added, "This contract is an important milestone in maintaining readiness and resilience for a critical Defence capability. It demonstrates our Government’s commitment to providing the ADF with the resources it needs to keep Australians safe."

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, is also thrilled with the announcement, saying that it’s a win for all parties involved. "Our local Sikorsky Australia team just outside HMAS Albatross, play a crucial role in the maintenance of our MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.”

“We’re certainly a proud Navy and Defence town and Defence Industry is a big part of that supporting Navy capability," says Mrs. Phillips.

"I’m thrilled to see this $314 million investment which will also support additional Seahawk helicopters, local businesses, and jobs."

The funding also secures the Nowra facility’s future as a potential maintenance hub that could be used by the United States Navy for repair, overhaul, and upgrade support, enhancing supply chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.