Ukraine rejects Eurocopter Tiger helicopters Australia could have provided for free, envoy explains why
Nation1 October, 12:55 PM
Ukraine dropped its request for Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters that Australia could have provided free as military aid because of high maintenance costs, Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko told Defense Express on Oct. 1.
The outlet, citing its own sources, reported that the decision was made after considering a range of factors, including the cost per flight hour, the availability of spare parts, the helicopters’ technical condition and questions about their expected configuration.
Although the helicopters would be provided free of charge as military aid, they would still need to be operated, maintained and kept combat-ready, while pilots and technical personnel would also need to be trained and supported, Defense Express noted.
Australia itself is phasing out the Eurocopter Tiger for the same reasons. Germany has also decided to retire the helicopters after they spent extended periods grounded.