This latest announcement is a further boost to the engineering and technical hub at Fishermans Bend. Italian helicopter manufacturer, Leonardo, has now chosen Fishermans Bend as the site for a helicopter repair and overhaul facility.
Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP said the facility will be capable of servicing Australia’s Multi-Role Helicopter. In additional it will also service foreign military and certain civil helicopter main gear boxes.
The MRH90 is one of the most advanced tactical troop transport helicopters of the 21st century. The Commonwealth of Australia ordered 46 MRH90s from Australian Aerospace. The order is designed to rationalise the Defence Force’s helicopter platforms.
When completed, the MRH-90 will be available for two airmobile squadrons and one special operations support squadron. In additional it will also service one maritime support helicopter squadron, able to provide airmobile and maritime support capability to the ADF from land bases as well as the Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships.
When?
“The facility will commence operation in mid-2020 and employ at least 15 technical staff for 30 years or more, with 25 or so staff employed indirectly,” Minister Pyne said.
“I would like to congratulate Leonardo and their local subsidiary, Leonardo Australia, for committing to establish this strategically important regional centre of excellence.”
“Previously we had to send the gear boxes back to Italy for maintenance – now we’ll be able to do that work here, faster and cheaper, while transferring skills and know-how to Australian industry.”
The Federal Government will invest around $16 million in the facility, with a similar amount being committed by Leonardo.
This facility will be the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The new facility will generate new opportunities for local defence industry in the regional aerospace market.
This project is a true win-win situation for both Defence and local defence industry. The result will create more defence industry jobs in Victoria and lead to greater helicopter availability for operations.