Defence Minister Richard Marles announced today the armed forces’ fleet of MRH-90 Taipan helicopterwill not fly again by the time they are phased out next year.
The ADF helicopters have been grounded since July when a Taipan crashed off the Queensland coast, killing four airmen.
Before the incident the MRH-90 was in the process of being phased out by the defence force and due to be withdrawn from service by December 2024.
Marles said today the ADF was focused on the introduction into service of the new fleet of UH‑60M Black Hawk helicopters.
“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.
“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.
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“The government’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our people.”
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Marles said the government was looking at ways of accelerating the delivery of its new Black Hawk fleet and for aircrew training with international partners.
Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Corporal Alexander Naggs, and Warrant Officer Joseph Laycock died when their Taipan helicopter went down near Lindeman Island, during a major multi-national military training exercise.
