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

I can advise the Senate of two other important steps towards the delivery of Force 2030. The government has given second-pass approval to the acquisition of seven new CH47F Chinook helicopters to replace the current fleet of six CH47D Chinooks. The CH47F is the most modern and capable version of the Chinook, which has been proven to be a major ADF asset in Afghanistan. The government has also approved Australian involvement in the US and international upgrade program for the ADF fleet of 12 C130J Hercules aircraft. The C130J is the workhorse of the RAAF. It is routinely used for a range of operations, including those in Afghanistan. The upgrades will address system obsolescence, maintain coalition compatibility and enable these aircraft to comply with global air traffic standards. (Time expired)