Australia could soon have access to nearly a dozen Black Hawk helicopters to help during bushfire season and natural disasters.
Kaan Air Australia and StarFlight Australia have signed agreement worth up to $63 million with Sikorsky - the original manufacturer of the Black Hawk - to import and refurbish 10 ex-US military helicopters early next year.
They will be repurposed in Brisbane specifically for aerial firebombing operations and disaster relief work.
Kaan Air Australia and StarFlight Australia CEO John Skeen said the agreement will help emergency services fill a gap in Australia's firefighting and disaster relief resources.
"This is a game-changer for aviation in Australia," he said in a statement on Friday.
"The purchase of 10 - plus 10 optioned - Black Hawks represents a significant milestone for the firebombing and disaster relief helicopter industry in Australia, particularly in terms of efficient rotary wing attack to reduce loss of life and property during bushfire events."
