Canberra is currently evaluating the potential transfer of its fleet of 22 vintage Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters to Ukraine. This assessment comes in response to Kyiv’s ongoing demands for enhanced military resources, particularly to combat Russian unmanned aerial systems and improve frontline aviation capabilities. Local Australian media reports highlight renewed pressure from the Ukrainian community in Australia, which has voiced frustration following last year’s decision by the Australian Defence Force to dismantle and bury grounded MRH-90 Taipan helicopters rather than donate them.
Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy confirmed that discussions have taken place regarding the possibility of gifting the Tiger helicopters to Ukraine, labeling it as “our top consideration,” according to The Sydney Herald.
The Eurocopter Tiger helicopters were inducted into service in 2004 and are scheduled for withdrawal by 2028. However, the fleet has faced significant challenges, including high maintainability costs, shortages in both software and spare parts, and a history of operational availability issues. Despite these challenges, some sources suggest that the helicopters could play a key role in bolstering Ukraine’s airspace defense, especially in anti-drone operations.
The Tiger helicopters are armed with a 30-millimeter cannon, 70-millimeter rockets, and Hellfire air-to-surface missiles—munitions that are already part of Ukraine’s military arsenal and would be advantageous for rapid response operations against Russia’s unpredictable Shahed kamikaze drones.
As Australia transitions to a new fleet of 29 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with the first unit having arrived in October, officials have indicated that the retirement of the Tiger helicopters could be expedited if the transfer to Ukraine receives approval.
This consideration arises amid Australia’s preparations to announce a new package of military aid for Ukraine, valued at approximately 95 million Australian dollars (around $63 million). This upcoming tranche of assistance will be accompanied by sanctions targeting Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” which reportedly includes up to 1,400 vessels exporting Russian oil while masquerading under outdated platforms and various foreign flags.
