Defence to help chopper workers

DEFENCE will come up with an “early detailed transition” plan for the highly skilled uniformed and civilian workforce affected by the move to ditch its troubled armed helicopter fleet for US-made Apaches.

The news came as the NT News revealed on Saturday that the livelihoods of up to 65 Darwin-based aircraft workers were at risk by the commonwealth’s decision to ditch the ARH Tiger and buy up to 29 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters.

Defence’s budget for the major purchase is between $3.4bn and $5.1bn, with the Apaches to be introduced into Darwin-based 1st Aviation Regiment from 2025.

The ARH Tiger fleet, which has been plagued with problems since its introduction, will continue to operate from Darwin until 2028.

“During this time, it is expected over 25,000 flying hours will need to be supported,” a Defence spokeswoman said.

The fleet is maintained at Robertson Barracks by a 65strong team of civilian aircraft workers contracted from manufacturer Airbus.

The announcement by Defence Minister Linda Reynolds that the government had picked the Apache prompted criticism from the opposition, including that the process “lacked transparency”.

Defence, in a statement, said the process now would be drafting costed Apache options for the government, which included “refining the future sustainment arrangements for the capability, including cost and Australian industry involvement”.

“Additionally, early detailed transition planning will be conducted to ensure effective management of the skilled workforce, across Defence and industry, as Defence transitions from the Tiger to the Apache,” a spokeswoman said.