Australia has cancelled its plan to procure 16 light helicopters for special forces operations to avoid overlapping capabilities with existing programs.
In accordance with Project Land 2097 Phase 4, Australia has decided to discontinue its plan to purchase 16 light helicopters to support its special forces operations. Major General Stephen Jobson made the declaration at the 2023 Avalon International Airshow. The cancellation was made to avoid capabilities being duplicated with ongoing procurement initiatives for additional CH-47F Chinook helicopters, UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, and AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters. The UH-60M Black Hawk is scheduled to arrive later this year and will offer Australia’s special forces devoted support. Airbus, Babcock, and Jet Australia had responded to Australia’s request for proposals for the light helicopters.
Source: https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/03/07/australia-special-forces-helicopters/
