Australia May Transfer Tiger Helicopters to Ukraine: They Are Needed to Counter Drones

Australia is evaluating Ukraine’s request for the transfer of Tiger ARH attack helicopters, which the army is writing off as part of the transition to AH-64E Apache.

Canberra is simultaneously preparing a new aid package for Ukraine, but the possible transfer of Tiger helicopters will be considered separately, ABC News reported.

The publication emphasizes that the Tiger remains technically suitable for operation until at least 2040, and the manufacturer has offered Australia to extend their service life.

For Ukraine, the Australian Tiger is relevant primarily as an additional mobile means of combating drones, which are massively used by the Russian Federation.

According to Militarnyi, helicopters are playing an increasingly important role in air defense: they destroy up to 40% of Shahed-type drones in interception zones.

The advantage of a helicopter is its mobility, rapid response, and ability to operate at low altitudes, where ground-based air defense is less effective.

Ukraine has already scaled up the use of helicopters in counter-terrorism missions, as experience has shown their effectiveness in night and maneuver interceptions.

In this context, the Tiger can strengthen Ukraine’s model of airborne counter-UAV warfare, complementing both stationary and mobile air defense assets.

The final decision on the transfer of helicopters must be made by the Australian government. Ukraine expects a response in the near future.

Recently, Ukraine has recently started arming helicopters against Shahed drones.

According to Global Security, Australia’s Tiger ARHs had persistent software glitches that technicians struggled with for years. Maintenance of the aircraft was complicated by logistics due to the receipt of necessary parts from Europe, which was often delayed.

There have also been breakdowns of ventilation systems and power units on the helicopters, which even resulted in the poisoning of several Australian soldiers who were poisoned by inhaling toxic black smoke that entered the cockpit.

The publication also notes the long time it took for the Australian Army to achieve combat readiness after receiving the helicopters.