Yuriy Kobzar19:36, 14.10.24

At the moment, experts can only guess why Australia, which is generally friendly to Ukraine, did this.

Australia cut MRH90 Taipan helicopters , which Ukraine requested, and now sells spare parts for them. Defense Express writes about it .

The MRH90 Taipan is the Australian localization of the Franco-German NHI NH90 helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters SAS Corporation (formerly known as Eurocopter). Back in January, information appeared that the helicopters began to be cut into metal, and the most critical components of them were apparently wanted to be bought by Airbus Group, the parent company of Eurocopter.

All this happened against the background of public statements by Ukrainian officials that Ukraine would like to receive helicopters that Australia itself does not need. 

“However, despite all this, the question remained open about when in fact Australia began to negotiate with Airbus about the possible purchase of components from the MRH90 Taipan, and whether this was the actual reason for the refusal to transfer these helicopters to our country,” adds Defense Express.

It is now known that the Europeans have already begun to receive key components of the Australian helicopters that were sprayed. Airbus Helicopters SAS representative Axel Aloccio admitted that parts dismantled from Australian helicopters are already “used in the extensive support program” of the NH90, while being sold at a reduced price. He said, in this way it was possible to solve the problem of the lack of components for the NH90.

“This format of technical support looks particularly telling against the background of previous reports that the NH90 was considered problematic, but now there are potential orders for up to 100 such helicopters, which can be finalized within 18 months, in particular due to orders from the countries of the Middle East,” – analysts add.

Australian MRH90 Taipan helicopters

As UNIAN wrote, at the end of last year, Ukraine sent an official request to Australia for the transfer of decommissioned 45 army Taipan multi-purpose helicopters.

The reason for decommissioning the helicopters was cited as reliability problems , in particular, the crash of one of the helicopters during training. However, Ukraine emphasized that for it, in wartime, the concept of security is slightly different from that of peaceful Australia.

Experts cited several reasons why Australia continued disposal despite Ukraine’s requests. These reasons could have both a legal nature (problems of the ultimate right holder) and a lack of spare parts for the operation of these helicopters.

(C)UNIAN 2024