Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science announced today in Townsville that a squadron of Army helicopters will soon be dispatched to towns across the nation.

Mr Combet said a squadron of 11 Iroquois helicopters, which graced our skies for more than four decades, would be made local tourist attractions in Townsville and eight other communities around Australia.

“Townsville and the other locations selected have had an association with the Iroquois helicopter for a very long time. It’s only fitting then that these helicopters come to rest among these communities,” MrCombet said.

“Iroquois helicopters have played a big part in Australia’s military history and Townsville has played a part in their history too.

“One Iroquois helicopter will be kept for permanent display outside Townsville’s RAAF Base, where we expect it to attract military enthusiasts and other visitors.”

“Australia’s Iroquois helicopters have had a long history among the country’s Defence Force.”

“Iroquois helicopters served Australia during the Vietnam War, on deployments to Bougainville and the Solomon Islands, and provided assistance to people who were affected by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in Indonesia.”

Iroquois helicopters will also become tourist attractions in Point Cook in Victoria, Darwin, Holsworthy, Oakey, Enoggera, Bandiana and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Another five Iroquois helicopters will be kept by the Australian Defence Force as training aids and another two will be offered for sale to national returned service organisations.