Australia Invites Bid for Special Forces Helicopters

Australia has issued request for proposal (RFP) for new special forces helicopters under LAND2097 Phase 4.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC welcomed the opening of the invitation to Australian industry on August 4. “Australian industry have unique capabilities to offer the ADF and the broader global military light helicopter market in the design and manufacture of aviation systems,” Minister Reynolds said.

Under LAND2097 Phase 4, Australia is looking to acquire up to 16 helicopters in the four-tonne weight range for use by Special Forces.

The Request for Proposals has been released to market and will remain open for one month, with proposals to be evaluated by the end of 2020.

This follows a Request for Tender for a new fleet of helicopters and an initial support contract released earlier this year.

Airbus Helicopters partnered with over 20 Australian firms to form Team Nightjar for Project LAND 2097 Phase 4 in July. Babcock Australia and Hawker Pacific are bidding for the requirement with Bell 429.