Black Hawks over New South Wales: counter-terrorism training and naval integration

Australian Army aviation is conducting intensive counter-terrorism training this October using the latest UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. The exercises are taking place in the Sydney, Wollongong, and Goulburn regions of New South Wales, aiming to integrate air and ground crews in responding to complex, simulated threat scenarios in urban environments.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 28.10.2025, 00:52 Reading time: 2 min

Black Hawk helicopter on a warship deck at sunset beside the ship's mast tower — fot. LSIS Shaun Chatfield

In brief

Australian Army Aviation is conducting counter-terrorism training with UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters in October in the areas of Sydney, Wollongong and Goulburn in New South Wales. Colonel Charlie Barton, acting commander of the 16th Aviation Brigade, announced day and night flights, including low-altitude flights over urban areas. After the delivery of two more aircraft the fleet numbers 17 helicopters, and the Australian Army will ultimately receive 40 UH-60Ms. The Black Hawks are being tested aboard the landing ship HMAS Canberra.

- Being ready to respond, especially within the parameters of counter-terrorism, requires precision, courage, and years of the best training, said Colonel Charlie Barton, Acting Commander of the 16th Aviation Brigade.

Local communities can expect to see Black Hawks flying both day and night, sometimes at low altitudes over urban areas. "We understand this may cause disturbances and we appreciate your patience and support over the coming weeks," Barton added, emphasizing that realistic training environments are essential to maintain high operational readiness and public safety.

Naval integration and flight trials

This training is part of a broader effort to integrate UH-60M Black Hawks into the Australian Army's operational fleet. The helicopters are gradually replacing the retired MRH-90 Taipan and significantly enhance interoperability with the Royal Australian Navy. Black Hawks are already being tested aboard the HMAS Canberra as part of the Landing Helicopter Dock First of Class Flight Trials.

The trials aim to confirm aircraft operating limits aboard ships, establish embarked operational procedures, and support deck landing qualifications, ensuring readiness for combined land-sea operations.

Expanding response capabilities

Following the delivery of two additional aircraft in early October, the Australian Black Hawk fleet now totals 17 helicopters, with a goal of reaching 40 UH-60Ms to achieve full operational capability. The platform provides rapid response for domestic emergencies, tactical troop transport, casualty evacuation, humanitarian assistance, and special operations support.

As Charlie Barton emphasized, - This type of training is essential to providing our people with the realistic environments required to hone their skills and to ensure the Australian public has the best aviation capability available for any contingency.

Towards full operational capability

Australian Black Hawks are now entering the phase of full integration into national defense systems, including both land and maritime components. The ability to operate from Landing Helicopter Dock-class ships significantly increases the helicopters' mobility and mission versatility for domestic, humanitarian, and allied operations.

The New South Wales counter-terrorism training represents a key milestone in building a comprehensive rapid-response capability for the Australian Defence Force—from domestic security to long-range maritime operations.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier