The Australian Government is investing over $100 million over 2 years from 2024–25 in the national aerial firefighting capability to support states and territories to respond to crises within their jurisdictions.

This capability has approximately 163 aircraft, including 5 aircraft contracted and operated on behalf of the Australian Government:

• the National Large Air Tanker
• the National Lead Plane
• one Sikorsky S-61N helicopter
• two Blackhawk helicopters.

These aircraft form part of our multi-hazard capability which can be deployed to protect Australians from bushfires, floods and other hazards nationally.

States and territories have the primary responsibility to maintain crisis capabilities at the jurisdictional level. The Australian Government works together with states and territories through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and the Commissioners and Chief Officers Strategic Committee (CCOSC) to coordinate the national aerial firefighting capability and shape its future.

The 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements recommended the development of an Australian-based and registered national aerial firefighting capability. This capability has supported states and territories to remain ready to respond to a broad range of crises and reduced pressure on the Australian Defence Force.