Australia's National Aerial Firefighting Fleet has added new equipment to its arsenal, ready to tackle the upcoming high-risk weather season. A C-130 Hercules Large Air Tanker and three heavy-lift helicopters - a Sikorsky S61N and two Blackhawks - are now on standby, poised to assist communities facing fires, floods, and other natural disasters.

The new aircraft, part of a $48 million investment into the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet, bring a crucial capability to Australia’s disaster response toolkit. Equipped for more than just fire suppression, these aircraft can support diverse emergency operations, including delivering heavy water drops, conducting search and rescue missions, and assisting with evacuations. 

The C-130 Hercules is the primary addition, capable of releasing 13,250 litres of fire retardant, making it effective for large-scale fire containment. It’s accompanied by a Cessna Citation 525, which acts as a lead plane, guiding the tanker for precise drops in critical areas. The Sikorsky S61 helicopter, by comparison, can carry 4,000 litres of water and is intended for flexibility in various emergency scenarios.

Coordination of these assets will be managed by the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC), which will position the aircraft across the country based on operational needs. During the high-risk weather season, the NAFC will work with state and territory agencies to determine where the fleet is needed most, and potentially relocate aircraft as conditions change.

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the multi-purpose design of the aircraft meant to respond to an array of disaster situations, not just bushfires. “These aircraft help save lives and safeguard our communities and environment during disasters,” McAllister said. “This year, helicopters will supplement the existing fleet and provide the much-needed ability to operate in disasters requiring aerial support, beyond bushfires.”

With over 160 specialised aircraft, Australia’s National Aerial Firefighting Fleet is substantially larger than it was before the devastating 2019 - 2020 Black Summer bushfires, when it included around 135 aircraft. The fleet's expanded capabilities are to help address the increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters.