Article Posted on : - Mar 01, 2011

The CH-47 Chinook. An Australian Army photo

CANBERRA (BNS): The Australian Defence Ministry has awarded a contract to BAE Systems to upkeep the Army's fleet of Chinook helicopters.

Under the $20.9 million contract, BAE Systems Australia will maintain and support the Chinooks over the next six years, the MoD said.

The Australian Army presently operates six Chinook choppers which are based at Townsville.

BAE Systems has been maintaining the Chinook fleet since 1995.

The medium-lift helicopters were reintroduced into the Australian Army’s aviation wing in 1995 after being phased out in 1989.