4 October, 2023
End of the Taipan
Oakey will no longer see Taipan helicopters flying overhead following the Deputy Prime Minister's announcement that the MRH-90 fleet would be grounded ahead of schedule.
It happened after Richard Marles announced last week that the Australian Defence Force’s MRH-90 Taipan helicopters will not return to flying operations before their planned withdrawal date of December 2024.
Mr Marles explained his reasoning by saying that it was unlikely that an investigation into the Taipan fleet, following the deaths of four serviceman near Hamilton Island in July, would be complete until well into 2024.
The Deputy PM was keen to stress that at announcement did not pre-suppose or any way suggest the outcome of the investigations.
Focus will now turn to the introduction of a new fleet of UH‑60M Black Hawk helicopters.
The first three Black Hawks have arrived in Australia and commenced flying in September, with remaining Black Hawks continuing to be delivered.
The Australian Defence Force will continue to operate its CH-47F Chinooks, Tigers and MH‑60R Seahawks at bases including the local Swartz Barracks.
From 2025, the new AH-64E Apache helicopters will also be introduced into service for the Army.
To help mitigate further impacts on the Army’s operations and training, the Government says it has been exploring options to accelerate the delivery of Black Hawks to Australia and for aircrew training with our international partners.
The Deputy Prime Minister paid tribute to those who had worked on the Taipan fleet during its years of operation.
“The MRH-90 has been an important capability for our country and Defence Force, and I recognise the hard work of the hundreds of people who dedicated themselves to acquiring, operating and sustaining the aircraft,” he said.
“The first of the 40 Black Hawks that will replace the MRH-90 have arrived and are already flying in Australia.
“We are focused on seeing their introduction to service as quickly as possible.
“The Government’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our people.
“We continue to support the families of the four soldiers who lost their lives earlier this year, and the broader Defence community.”
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy said the Government was keenly awaiting the arrival of the remaining Black Hawks.
“We are actively working with industry partners to transition the skilled workers supporting MRH-90s to the Black Hawk program and Army’s other helicopters,” he said.
