Babcock Australasia will continue working with the Australian Border Force under a $250 million contract covering operations in the Torres Strait.

The eight-year agreement with the Commonwealth Government will see Babcock deliver two Airbus H145 D3 helicopters, alongside trained air crews and maintenance support. The aircraft will be fitted with advanced sensors, mission management systems and long-range tanks to boost surveillance capabilities.

The service operates from Horn Island and enables deterrence, prevention and response operations across threats such as illegal fishing, immigration and marine pollution.

Babcock will add 16 staff including pilots, surveillance crew and engineers. The helicopters are scheduled to enter service from September 2026.

“Safeguarding our borders is critical to ensuring national security,” says Andrew Cridland, CEO, Babcock Australasia. “These state-of-the-art aircraft integrates best-in-class technology, bringing the world's highest surveillance capabilities to our borders.”