The proposed agreement would move AAE beyond its current role supplying aerospace parts and material support to Sikorsky Australia’s operation in Nowra, New South Wales. Its expanded responsibilities will cover specialist maintenance, repair and overhaul of Black Hawk components.
AAE will perform the work at a new purpose-built, 1,900-square-meter facility in Albury. The site combines aircraft maintenance, component overhaul, nondestructive testing, machining, manufacturing, parts storage and a heated semi-downdraft spray booth.
“AAE is a terrific example of the specialist capability that exists within Australia’s SME sector,” said Cliff Kyle, general manager of Sikorsky Australia. “Expanding its role brings additional sovereign expertise and capacity in our sustainment network and helps ensure Black Hawks are available and mission-ready when the Australian Army needs them.”
“Our work supporting the Seahawk program and our longstanding relationship with Lockheed Martin Australia has helped us build the capability, systems and workforce to take on more complex sustainment work,” said AAE Chief Executive Officer Adam Johnston. “Expanding into Black Hawk component MRO is an exciting next step for AAE.”
The role gives AAE a larger position in military helicopter sustainment after its growth from a three-person family business into an established aerospace supplier. “By keeping expertise, manufacturing, and supply chain capability within Australia, we strengthen resilience in our ability to respond quickly when Defence capability is needed,” Johnston said.
“Sovereign capability is not built only in the major cities. It is built in places like Albury, through Australian SMEs, skilled workers, local suppliers and partnerships that create enduring industrial capability,” Johnston said.
The partnership forms part of Lockheed Martin Australia’s Australian Industry Capability commitments for Black Hawk sustainment. The company expects local industry participation to expand as the fleet grows, flying activity moves toward a sustainable operational tempo and the support program matures.
Australia has received 19 UH-60M Black Hawks, with delivery of the full fleet scheduled for completion by 2030. The helicopters have exceeded 5,000 flying hours in Australia since the first aircraft arrived in 2023.
