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Time Out
14th Nov 2003, 15:37
I spotted the following article in the Australian newspaper today, but can't find it on their site, so I'll copy a snippet for interest and to alert anyone really interested to buy the paper.

The Australian - Friday November 14, 2003 - Page 23 (within special report on Defence)

"New choppers to fill diverse roles"

The ADF wants to reduce its fleet of nine helicopter types to just three or four as part of a rationalisation plan worth up to $5 billion over the next decade.

But Australian Strategic Policy institute analysist Aldo Borgu said that while rationalisation was a noble goal, the ADF was likely to finish with six or seven types because of the diverse roles played by helicopters - from supporting special forces to submarine hunting.

As part of the $750 million first stage of the project the army's Sydney based counter-terrorism units will get dedicated helicopters.

The move follows the Government's expansion of counter-terrorism forces, particularly the establishment of an additional Tactical Assault Group in Sydney....."

etc etc