Australia to retire Tiger attack helicopters — ABC News Australia

The Australian Defence Force will retire 22 Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters this month after more than two decades of service. They will be replaced by U.S.-made AH-64E Apache helicopters, while the 1st Aviation Regiment will be relocated from Darwin to Townsville, ABC News reports.

Farewell to the Tiger

Australia purchased Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters in 2001, and they entered service in 2004. The fleet is estimated to have cost $1.1 billion.

Ahead of the end of the Tiger's service, the 1st Aviation Regiment conducted a farewell flyover above the Mindil Beach markets in Darwin. Captain Nicholas Bilton, who flew the Tiger for three years, described the helicopter as highly maneuverable and said he was ready to move on to the next stage of his service.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jason Perrins, the Tigers were an important part of the unit. The helicopters took part in international exercises, including supporting the United States, and demonstrated defence capabilities to international partners in Malaysia.

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Transition to the Apache

Australia will purchase 29 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States under a $4.5 billion deal. Six aircraft have already been delivered to Townsville, while all 29 Apaches are expected to arrive in Australia by the end of 2029.

Lieutenant Colonel Perrins, one of the first Australian Army pilots certified to fly the Apache, said the new helicopters offer advantages in communications systems, data processing and sensors. An Australian Defence Force representative said the transition to the Apache reflects the country's need to operate in a changing threat environment.

The future of the retired Tigers has not yet been determined. Last year, Anthony Albanese's government considered transferring the helicopters to Kyiv to help Ukraine in the war.