According to recent reports from local media, Australia is considering transferring its problematic Tiger attack helicopters as part of a military aid package to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, thereby giving them a new purpose amid plans to retire them early as they are replaced by the more modern AH-64E Apache Guardian. For Kyiv, this is significant news, considering it had already expressed interest in the fleet of platforms back in 2024, shortly after the frustrated attempt to acquire the older MRH-90 Taipan models that Canberra ultimately withdrew.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, Australian publications stated: “The offer is on the table and Ukraine wants them. Now it’s a matter of logistics.” In the near future, the issue is expected to be addressed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, led by Minister Penny Wong, where the impact of what would be a major aircraft delivery from Canberra to the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be assessed.
If approval is granted, the Australian Army would part with helicopters that began entering service in 2004, but only achieved Initial Operational Capability in 2011. Among the main issues that affected their service record, analysts have pointed to obstacles in the supply chain needed to keep them operational, mainly due to the distance from the manufacturer, along with various technical problems that have reduced their availability over the years. These challenges, given Ukraine’s proximity to Airbus manufacturing plants in Europe, could potentially be resolved more easily.
It is worth noting that, as of current reports, Canberra has a fleet of 22 Tiger helicopters available, which are scheduled to be retired in 2028. As previously reported, Australia is already in the process of incorporating a fleet of 29 AH-64E helicopters, with the final units expected to be delivered by Boeing in 2029. In mid-November, we reported that the Australian Army had received its second batch of the U.S.-designed helicopters, marking steady progress in this replacement program.
Meanwhile, although Ukrainian authorities have not provided specifics, speculation has already begun regarding the role these platforms would play on the front line. One of the main possibilities being considered is equipping the Tigers with rockets integrated with the new Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). Combined with their 30mm cannon and Mistral missiles, this could give the helicopters significant capabilities to hunt drones. Kyiv has already demonstrated the use of its own helicopter fleet for this mission, even employing transport models that could be reassigned to their original tasks once the Tigers arrive.
Finally, it is important to recall that Australia would not only support Ukraine through the transfer of the aforementioned helicopters, but also with the delivery of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to strengthen Ukraine’s armored capabilities, as Australia fields its new fleet of M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams. Along with RBS 70 man-portable air-defense systems, Corvo PPDS and DefendTex D40 loitering munitions, inflatable boats, and other equipment, Canberra has already contributed more than 1.5 billion Australian dollars to Kyiv. Additionally, the Royal Australian Air Force carried out a forward deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe, which operated out of Poland between July and October of this year.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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