Australia Weighs Sending Old Tiger Helicopters to Ukraine

[Starmix]

According to the report, 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 unmanned aerial systems and bolster frontline aviation.

The report said the agency reviewed the formal request sent to them by Ukraine. Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy confirmed that officials had approached Kyiv about the Tigers, saying gifting them is our top consideration, according to The Sydney Herald.

The report added that 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. And despite the fleet’s condition, sources said the helicopters could strengthen Ukraine’s expanding airspace defense requirements, particularly in anti-drone operations.

In addition, 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.

Source: The Defense Post

 

[kit_hung]

Australia believes that the act of sending Tigers to Ukraine is a major move. The fleet is old but still has some power. Kyiv is asking for more weapons. Russia is having a lot of drones. The minister talking about the gift is very serious. The war pressure is increasing ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌gradually.

 

[Starmix]

Australia may send the fleet to Ukraine when the advisory will be approved by Canberra. This fleet though old can still fight with Russia.