A team of specialist engineers in Babcock’s Design and Completions (D&C) team will transform two new state-of-the-art helicopters with the latest leading-edge technology and systems to support the company’s new $250 million contract with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to enhance surveillance and logistics activities in the strategically important Torres Strait.
A team of D&C engineers, working from the company’s Gloucestershire Airport base in UK, will deliver turn-key modifications to the two Airbus H145 helicopters including the latest technology, tactical and sensor mission systems, to enable enhanced surveillance capability.
This initiative reflects strong collaboration between Babcock’s Australian and UK teams, drawing on the depth of our global expertise to deliver advanced capabilities for the ABF.
Babcock D&C has been delivering aircraft modifications and upgrades for international customers in Europe, Canada and Australia since 2009, specialising in the integration of mission systems for complex operations such as police, border force and emergency medical services.
The new aircraft is expected to be in service from the second half of 2026. Babcock in Australia will recruit 16 new staff, including pilots, surveillance crew and engineers to support the new ABF contract.
Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland said: “Babcock has been an integral and trusted provider to the ABF since 1995, supporting their work to keep our nation safe and secure.
“As a world-leading Defence and aviation company, Babcock uniquely leverages our proven and trusted in-house capability to support complex engineering programs around the world.
“These state-of-the-art aircraft upgrades by Babcock’s UK team will bring the world’s highest surveillance capabilities to Australia for the first time.”