Army establishes second Black Hawk helicopter base

Locating elements of the Black Hawk fleet at Swartz Barracks is crucial to fulfilling Defence’s utility helicopter requirements and is the next step in establishing a sovereign UH-60M training capability.

After focusing initial support for the introduction of the UH-60M Black Hawks at Holsworthy Barracks in NSW, the Army Aviation Training Centre will transfer flying training to Oakey from 2026 and progress to full training capacity from 2029.

Commander of the Australian Army’s Aviation Command, Major General David Hafner, said the continued introduction of the Black Hawk fleet would ensure the Defence Force is equipped to respond to domestic emergencies and future security challenges, as well as support regional partners in times of need.

“The modernisation of Army’s aviation capabilities is providing our soldiers with the enhanced situational awareness, tactical speed, reach and firepower required to protect Australia and our national interests,” MAJGEN Hafner said.

“I want to thank the United States Army for their continued support in the delivery of the UH-60M Black Hawk to Australia, and our industry partners at Lockheed Martin Australia for aiding with the sustainment of this critical capability.”

The second operating node leverages existing defence industry capability with Lockheed Martin Australia and Sikorsky Australia supporting the UH-60M Black Hawk and Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk across South-East Queensland and NSW.

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Head of Joint Aviation Systems Division, Major General Jeremy King, said collaboration with defence industry was vital in equipping and sustaining Australia’s battlefield aviation capability.

“The expansion of the Black Hawk fleet will be supported by a highly skilled, embedded defence industry workforce, working side by side with our Army Aviation specialists to deliver and sustain this critical capability,” MAJGEN King said.

Swartz Barracks will also see more than $9 million of essential infrastructure upgrades to support the expansion of the fleet, with construction to begin in the coming months.

Eighteen UH-60M Black Hawks will be based out of Oakey by 2030, to be operated by the Army Aviation Training Centre and 5th Aviation Regiment.

Lockheed Martin Australia congratulated the Australian Army on the rapid establishment of a second operating node for the UH-60M Black Hawks in South-East Queensland.

In March 2025, Lockheed Martin Australia established a new custom-fit logistics warehouse facility in Sydney to support the operational readiness of the Black Hawk Fleet across Australia.

“It’s incredibly motivating to see the Australian Army’s Black Hawk program expand on the ground in Oakey,” said Lockheed Martin Australia’s Black Hawk program manager, Rodahn Gibbon.

“Over the last 12 months, Lockheed Martin Australia has been laser focused on establishing a capable and qualified workforce of aircraft maintenance engineers, logisticians and aircrew to support the Australian Army.”

“We are proud to contribute to the sustainment effort in Oakey, which generates promising job prospects for aviation professionals in the region.”

In Oakey, Lockheed Martin Australia has secured 45 skilled maintenance, operations, supply and training support employees, which is set to increase to 75 by mid-2026.

“The culmination of the Australian Army announcing initial operating capability for the UH-60M Black Hawks in February, together with launching a second aviation operating node, is significant,” Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand chief executive Warren McDonald said.

“It showcases Army’s expertise and steadfast commitment to delivering critical capability at speed to protect Australia.

“As the manufacturer of the UH-60M Black Hawk, we deeply understand the asset and are committed to providing trusted sustainment support services to the Australia Army with ongoing reliability, speed, and affordability.”