The Australian centre-right Coalition government has promised more than $8 billion  (US$5.6 billion) will be spent as part of a boost to Australia’s military helicopter fleet, should they be re-elected.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will announce on Monday the provision of 12 new Romeo maritime helicopters, to be based at HMAS Albatross in the marginal NSW seat of Gilmore.
There will also be 29 Apache armed reconnaissance helicopters to replace the existing Tiger fleet.
However, neither of the new aircraft will be available for use until 2025.
The new Romeo helicopters will replace the existing Taipan fleet used by the navy and will cost $2.5 billion, while $5.5 billion will be spent on the Apache fleet for the army.
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