The Lockheed Martin company and the local defence industry gathered for the anniversary in Melbourne on 2 March.

The first Sikorsky aircraft, an S-51 Dragonfly helicopter, entered the Australian Defence Force (ADF) service with the Royal Australian Air Force in 1947.

Sikorsky president Paul Lemmo said the occasion emphasised the enduring US-Australia relationship and ongoing accomplishments shared by Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky Australia and the ADF.

“2023 is a momentous year for Sikorsky as we celebrate our 100th anniversary,” he said.

“All of our capabilities are the result of an incredible culture of innovation that started with our founder, Igor Sikorsky.

“Innovation is central to our mission of supporting our customers’ most difficult challenges, and it continues to flourish — thanks in large part to the deep ties we share with Australia.”

President Lemmo said the Royal Australian Navy continues to operate a growing fleet of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, while UH-60M Black Hawk aircraft are set to arrive this year.

“The multi-mission UH-60M Black Hawk provides the Australian Army with critical capabilities that will strengthen Australia’s readiness, interoperability and security for decades to come,” he said.

“We continue to invest in Black Hawk modernisation to provide operators with the competitive edge they require to counter and deter threats today and in future Joint All-Domain Operations.”