2026 National Defence Strategy: Tiger helicopters confirmed for retirement by end of year

“Battlefield aviation remains an essential enabler of Army’s mobility, reconnaissance and firepower. It provides Army with enhanced situational awareness and underpins the ability to manoeuvre quickly in our region,” according to the documents.

“The government is investing $6.3–$7 billion over the decade to continue to uplift Army’s battlefield aviation capabilities to enhance aviation firepower.

“This will be achieved through continued delivery of the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, following the successful arrival of the first Apaches in September 2025 and subsequent commencement of flying operations.

“The Apaches replace the Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters, which will be withdrawn by the end of 2026.

“Continued investment in this fleet will provide Army with a formidable and networked air firepower platform capable of maritime strike and overland attack, enhancing the ADF’s ability to conduct sea denial operations.

“Continued accelerated delivery of the UH-60M Black Hawk fleet, following the withdrawal of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet in 2024. The first tranche of UH-60M Black Hawks are operational.

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“Continued investment will provide proven combat and logistics capability with the ability to deploy rapidly in support of a wide variety of missions.

“Strengthening Army’s airlift capability through continued investment in the expanded fleet of 14 CH-47F Chinook helicopters to increase its ability to support operations, including disaster response.”

In wider 2026 National Defence Strategy news, the government is committing $425 billion over the next decade to overhaul the Australian Defence Force. To get there, the government is injecting an extra $14 billion over the next four years and $53 billion over the decade. This funding surge will see Australia’s Defence spending climb to 3 per cent of gross domestic product by 2033.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko, speaking last year to Defence Connect, confirmed there was some interest in the retiring Tiger helicopters.

“We’d be interested in having that conversation (about Tiger helicopters) and about something that will help … And if those could be provided to Ukraine, we’ll be thankful,” the ambassador said previously.

Ukraine had previously made a request for access to the Australian Defence Force’s now-scrapped MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet but was unsuccessful.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.