Canberra is assessing whether to send its fleet of 22 aging Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters to Ukraine as Kyiv seeks more tools to counter Russian drones and bolster frontline aviation, according to local Australian media.
The review follows a formal request from Ukraine and renewed pressure from Australia’s Ukrainian community, which was angered last year when the Australian Defence Force dismantled and buried its grounded MRH-90 Taipan helicopters instead of donating them.
Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy confirmed that officials had approached Kyiv about the Tigers, saying gifting them is “our top consideration,” The Sydney Herald reported.
Canberra’s Tigers, inducted in 2004 and slated for withdrawal by 2028, have struggled with high sustainment costs, software and parts shortages, and a history of availability problems.
Despite the fleet’s condition, sources said the helicopters could strengthen Ukraine’s expanding airspace defense requirements, particularly in anti-drone operations.
The Tiger can field a 30-millimeter cannon, 70-millimeter rockets, and Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, all of which are already in Ukraine’s arsenal and are valued for rapid response at low altitude against Russia’s unpredictable Shahed kamikaze drones.
Australia is now transitioning to 29 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, the first of which arrived in October, and officials have indicated the Tiger retirement schedule could be accelerated if a transfer to Ukraine is approved.
Fresh Military Aid, Sanctions
Australia’s consideration comes as it prepares to unveil its next tranche of military assistance for Ukraine.
The aid, valued at 95 million Australian dollars ($63 million), will be sent to Kyiv alongside sanctions targeting Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” which now consists of up to 1,400 vessels exporting Russian oil under the guise of outdated platforms and various foreign flags.
