A Bell 429 helicopter of 723 Squadron displays winching exercises during a Navy helicopter display in Sydney Harbour
In 2012, the Royal Australian Navy leased three Bell 429 helicopters from Raytheon Australia. These aircraft were operated by 723 Squadron at HMAS Albatross in Nowra. The Bell 429 allowed junior Navy pilots to maintain and hone their skills before flying the MH-60R Seahawk or the MRH-90 helicopters.
With the Bell 429 contract having expired in 2019 and the successful introduction of the Airbus Helicopters EC-135T2+ into service with 723 Squadron's Joint Helicopter School, the Bell 429 made its final public appearance at the Australian International Air Show, Avalon.