John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

I can confirm that the government has provided first-pass approval for defence capability plan project Air 9000 Phase 8. An advanced naval aviation capability is essential to maintaining the ADF’s capability edge in the complex and demanding marine environment. The new helicopters will possess advanced antisubmarine warfare capabilities. Sufficient helicopters will be acquired to provide at least eight helicopters concurrently embarked on ships at sea, which under the white paper required a fleet of 24 helicopters. The government will examine the options to provide a new combat helicopter through a cost-capped competitive process involving the Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin MH60R and the Eurocopter NH90.

This is a multibillion dollar project. A competitive process will ensure value for money for the taxpayer and ensure the best possible decision-making to support this vital capability. Any decision government makes will take into account all relevant considerations, including capability, cost, interoperability with other ADF capabilities, risk, value for money and industry aspects. The competitive process will follow a schedule that will allow for initial operating capability in the year 2014. The government anticipates releasing the request for tender in the coming months, with a final decision in 2011.