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 Bird Dog. Building a multi-hazard capability which can be deployed to support emergency response. Increasing 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 emergency 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 capacity, the Australian Government has made significant improvements to the way states and territories are supported in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.