LMT - Lockhheed to deliver first Black Hawk helicopters to Australia in $1.95B deal

Australia’s defense ministry on Wednesday said it expects to see its first delivery of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters made by Lockheed Martin’s ( NYSE: LMT ) Sikorsky unit this year. The shipment is part of an estimated $1.95 billion deal for 40 of the combat helicopters for the Australian army.

“This acquisition will mean we can continue to defend Australia and respond in times of need in a safe and effective way for years to come,” Maj. Gen. Jeremy King, head of land capability for the Australian army, said in a statement.

The U.S. State Department in August approved Australia’s request to buy the helicopters and other military equipment. The agreement was another sign of the stronger military ties between the United States and Australia.

The Black Hawks will be based in Oakley, Queensland, and in Holsworthy, New South Wales, the statement said. The aircraft will replace the country’s fleet of European-designed MRH-90 Taipan helicopters that are being retired early because of maintenance difficulties.

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