Defence: Helicopters

Senator Johnston asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 11 January 2010:

1. When will the final decision be made to ‘introduce 46 new MRH-90 helicopters as a pooled fleet shared between the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army to replace the Navy’s Sea Kings and Army’s general troop lift Blackhawk fleets’ (Defence White Paper 2009, p. 72, paragraph 9.17).
2. When will the first of these helicopters be delivered and fully operational.
3. What type or variant of the MRH-90 has been recommended for purchase.
4. What will be the expected purchase price of the 46 new MRH‑90 helicopters?
5. What will be the total cost of through‑life support and operating costs of the MRH-90 over a 30 year operating life.

Senator Faulkner - The answer to the honourable Senator’s question is as follows:

1. On 1 September 2004, Government approved Defence Project AIR 9000 Phase 2 to acquire 12 MRH-90 helicopters to deliver the additional troop lift capability sought in the Defence White Paper 2000.  On 26 April 2006, Government approved Defence Project AIR 9000 Phase 4 to acquire 28 MRH-90 helicopters to replace the Army’s Black Hawk fleet and Phase 6 to acquire six MRH-90 helicopters to replace the Navy’s Sea King helicopters.
2. The first two MRH-90 helicopters were delivered to the Commonwealth on 18 December 2007. At the end of 2009 a total of nine MRH-90 helicopters had been delivered.
3. The MRH-90 is the designation for the Australian variant of the NATO Helicopter Industries NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter and is based on the German Tactical Transport Helicopter variant.
4. The total acquisition cost, including a number of support capabilities, facilities, logistics support and training systems, is approximately $4 billion as at December 2009.
5. Approximately $5.5 billion.  The through-life support and operating costs will continue to be refined as the ADF’s knowledge and experience with this capability matures.

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