Australia’s retiring Tiger helicopters might return to combat—in Ukraine

Dec 4, 2025 - 07:03

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A new military support move could be on the way: the Australian government is weighing a Ukrainian request to transfer its fleet of retiring Tiger reconnaissance helicopters, according to ABC. The decision would come alongside an anticipated new aid package for Kyiv.

This comes as Ukraine faces daily Russian drone attacks. Ukraine has expanded its use of helicopters in counter‑drone missions. That experience reportedly demonstrated their value in night operations and in maneuverable interceptions that fixed systems alone could not manage, according to the Ukrainian defense news site Militarnyi.

Australia considering sending its retiring Tiger helicopters to Ukraine

ABC reports that the Albanese government is considering transferring its fleet of retiring Eurocopter Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters to Ukraine. This move would be separate from the expected new funding package for Kyiv’s war effort. ABC reports that Canberra is weighing a Ukrainian request for military helicopters.

The discussion follows the controversial decision in 2024 to dismantle and bury the fleet of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters after a fatal crash in July 2023, which killed four Australian soldiers. That decision sparked backlash from Australia’s Ukrainian community, which had criticized the move.

Tigers can be used against Shaheds

Militarnyi noted:

"The Tigers could strengthen Ukraine’s air defense model against drones, complementing both stationary and mobile air defense systems."

It notes that currently, the Ukrainian helicopter “destroy up to 40% of Shahed‑type drones ” in interception zones. Militarnyi underlines the advantages of helicopters in this role — mobility, fast reaction times, and ability to operate at low altitudes where many ground‑based air defense systems struggle.

At the same time, technical concerns remain. The research and security analysis website Global Security highlights years of persistent problems with Tiger ARH helicopters in Australian service.