National aerial capability

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National aerial capability

We are delivering an enhanced national aerial emergency response capability, with funding of approximately $100 million over the next two financial years from 2024-25.

The addition of three new aircraft to join our aerial firefighting fleet this summer will greatly enhance Australia’s emergency management preparedness. 

Two Blackhawks and a Sikorsky S-61N will join the National Large Air Tanker and its Cessna Citation lead plane, building a multi-hazard capability which can be deployed to support emergency response to increase the safety of Australian communities in the face of increasingly severe and frequent disasters. 

We will continue to work with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) to shape the future fleet of aircraft that can be used for firefighting, emergency rescue and evacuation and other assistance for Australians in all types of disasters.

While states and territories have, and will continue to have, primary responsibility for Australia’s aerial firefighting capability, the Australian Government has made significant improvements to the way states and territories are supported in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. 

Purpose

This measure builds Australia’s national capability to respond to disasters and responds to a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, also easing the pressure on Australian Defence Force personnel and aerial assets.

It will increase the preparedness of governments to respond during disasters, as well as increase safety for Australians. 

Frequently Asked Questions

As of 30 September 2024, the contracted national fleet comprises of 162 aircraft, including:

  • 6 Large fixed wing air tankers
  • 16 Large rotary wing aircraft (Type 1)
  • 68 Medium and small rotary wing aircraft (Type 2 and 3)
  • 54 Fixed wing firebombers
  • 18 Light fixed wing

On 18 September 2024, we announced the addition of three new aircraft. These additional aircraft are: 

  • 2 Blackhawks 
  • 1 Sikorsky S-61N 

In addition to supporting the leasing costs of the Fleet, the additional funding will: 

  • provide protection to communities throughout the longer higher risk weather seasons that overlap with the northern hemisphere through the leasing of specialised aircraft; 
  • ensure the Fleet will include adequate aerial firefighting and multi-use capability aircraft; and 
  • ensure the Fleet can be used and in support of international requests for assistance. 

The Government, through NEMA, is also undertaking a comprehensive review of Australia’s national aerial firefighting requirements, the current Fleet and funding model, to ensure a sustainable model in the future. 

We will work with NAFC to shape the composition of the Fleet so it can be used for firefighting, emergency rescue and evacuation and other emergency assistance for Australians in all types of disasters.

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