Black Hawk fleet returns to SE Queensland

South East Queensland’s Swartz Barracks at Oakey is once again home to part of the Australian Army’s Black Hawk helicopter fleet.

Three of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters have been transferred to the Army Aviation Training Centre in Oakey, near Toowoomba, establishing the Army’s second Black Hawk operating node. Locating elements of the fleet at Swartz Barracks is crucial to fulfilling Defence’s utility helicopter requirements, says Defence, 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.

Some 18 UH-60M Black Hawks will be based at Oakey by 2030, to be operated by the Army Aviation Training Centre and 5th Aviation Regiment. EX² understands that 12 Black Hawks will be located at Holsworthy.

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

“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,” Major General 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 New South Wales.

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