The 2009 Defence White Paper announced that new combat helicopters for the Navy would be acquired ‘as a matter of urgency’.

ASPI has long argued that naval aviation is a capability shortfall and welcomes the recognition of the importance of embarked helicopters. However, decisions made earlier in the development of the ADF’s helicopter fleet and the national support capability impact on the cost-effectiveness of competing aircraft.

To get the best solution in the longer term, it may be best to ‘hasten slowly’.