Land Forces 2026: Lockheed Martin details Australian Black Hawk progress

The Australian Army has received 19 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. This April 2026 image shows Black Hawks from the 16th Aviation Brigade taking off during integration training in Sydney. (Commonwealth of Australia CPL B Spencer)

Lockheed Martin has outlined plans to expand support for the Australian Army's UH-60M Black Hawk fleet as the service progresses its acquisition of 40 helicopters.

Speaking at Land Forces 2026 in Perth, Australia, on 7 October, Rodahn Gibbon, Black Hawk Program Manager at Lockheed Martin Australia, said the company is supporting the US Army's efforts to transition Australia's fleet towards final operational capability (FOC).

Gibbon added that Lockheed Martin is also expanding domestic sustainment activities under the government's Australian Industry Capability (AIC) programme.

According to Gibbon, the Australian Army has received 19 of the 40 helicopters on order. “Six of the helicopters are located at Oakey and 13 at Holsworthy, with the fleet having surpassed 7,000 flying hours,” he said.

While the remaining aircraft are rolling off Sikorsky's production line in the US as scheduled, Gibbon said they will remain in the United States to receive an FOC modification package.

“The first [FOC] aircraft is undergoing prototype testing now, with deliveries expected to recommence around the third quarter of 2027,” he said.

Gibbon added that the delivery pause to enable FOC was “always an element” of the programme. “The approach allows the aircraft to receive the FOC configuration before delivery so the fleet can achieve the required capability milestones,” he said.

He added that the 19 helicopters already delivered will be retrofitted in Australia. “That work is expected to take place in Australia,” he said.