Arabic version: قوة الدفاع الأسترالية تُحيل مروحيات تايغر إلى التقاعد بعد عقدين

According to ABC News, the Australian Defence Force will retire its $1.1-billion Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter fleet this month after more than two decades of service. The Australian Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment farewelled the aircraft with a flyover in Darwin and will transition from Darwin to Townsville.

The 22 Tiger ARHs were acquired in 2001 and have been in service since 2004. Known for speed and agility, the two-seat attack helicopters have taken part in international exercises, including support for the United States and demonstrations of defence capabilities to international partners in Malaysia. A 2016 report said Australia was one of four countries operating the helicopters, alongside France, Germany and Spain.

Captain Nicholas Bilton, a Darwin-based pilot who has flown the Tiger for three years, described the role as a childhood dream. He said he would savour the memories of the aircraft and was ready for the next steps. After completing a final flyover of the Mindil Beach Markets, he said he would miss the Tiger’s manoeuvrability, calling it “an absolute Ferrari to fly on”.

The fleet will be replaced by AH-64E Apache attack helicopters acquired from the United States under a $4.5 billion deal. Six Apaches have been delivered to Townsville, while all 29 are expected to arrive in Australia by the end of 2029. Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Perrins said the Tigers had been a key, longstanding part of the unit, while describing the Apache as a step up in areas including connectivity, data systems and sensors. An ADF spokesperson said the transition reflected Australia’s need to operate in an evolving threat environment.