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Ukraine has withdrawn its request for the Australian Army’s Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters, as they head for retirement later this year.
The Australian Army will shortly conclude Tiger helicopter flying operations in Darwin, marking a significant milestone in the transition to the new AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter capability.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko confirmed to Defence Connect that Ukraine had previously withdrawn its request for the Tiger helicopters earlier this year.
The Ukrainian ambassador is refocusing on follow-on cooperation between Australia and Ukraine, after the two countries signed a bilateral security agreement earlier this month.
In particular, the possibility of Australia to “work with Ukraine to identify potential joint projects in defence industry and will consider appropriate financing frameworks to support their development”, as outlined under the agreement.
Earlier this month, the Australian Army confirmed that the retirement of the Tiger helicopters reflects its planned 20-year service life and Australia’s need to operate in an evolving threat environment, where advanced air defence systems, precision weapons and uncrewed platforms present challenges better suited to the capabilities of next-generation battlefield helicopters such as the AH-64E Apache.
Commander Army Aviation Major General David Hafner AM CS, said the ARH Tiger had provided Army with an armed reconnaissance capability for two decades.
“The end of ARH Tiger flying operations is a significant moment for the 1st Aviation Regiment, but it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we continue our relocation to Townsville and further build Australia’s attack helicopter capability around the AH-64E Apache,” MAJGEN Hafner said.
“Our soldiers, aircrew and maintainers have achieved an extraordinary transition from the ARH Tiger to the Apache while continuing to deliver training and operational outputs.
“Their dedication has ensured Army remains ready for the future.”
When introduced into Australian service, the ARH Tiger combined the capabilities of the unarmed Kiowa reconnaissance helicopter and the Bushranger armed version of the Iroquois utility helicopter into a single platform that integrated intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and strike effects.
The Apache is replacing the ARH Tiger within the 1st Aviation Regiment and will deliver enhanced firepower, networking and interoperability capabilities to support future Army operations.
This successful transition was demonstrated in July 2026 when Australian Army AH-64E Apache crews conducted their first live-fire activities in Townsville.
Six Apaches have been delivered to Australia, with all 29 helicopters expected to be delivered by the end of 2029.
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