Australian Defence Force Retires Tiger Helicopters, Replaces with US Apaches

After more than two decades, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is farewelling its $1.1-billion fleet of attack helicopters, known as the Tigers, and replacing them with American Apaches.

The Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) will be retired from use in the ADF this month, and the 1st Aviation Regiment will be transitioned to Townsville away from Darwin.

Captain Nicholas Bilton, who is based in Darwin and has been flying the Tigers for three years, said the experience has been "absolutely awesome".

"It's literally me living out my childhood dream — I've wanted to do it ever since I was a kid," he said.

"I think I'll just savour the moment, enjoy the memories Tiger brought.

"I really enjoyed flying it but I'm ready for the next steps."

Known for their speed and agility, the 22 Tiger ARHs were acquired by the Australian defence force in 2001 and have been in service since 2004.

According to a 2016 report, Australia was one of four countries operating the two-seater attack helicopters, with France, Germany and Spain also including them in their fleets.

It's unknown yet where the Tigers will be retired to, although last year the Albanese government considered offloading them to Kyiv to aid in Ukraine's war efforts

Captain Bilton last week completed a final send off for the Tigers with a flyover of the iconic Mindil Beach Markets.

From Tigers to Apaches

Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Perrins said the Tigers have been a "key and longstanding" part of the unit.

"It's been part of the furniture here really, and all of the people that have been through it, it is going to be a sad time but it's also been an excellent period through that and we're celebrating the people," he said.

He said the Tigers have participated in international exercises, supporting the US and recently showing off defence capabilities to international partners in Malaysia.

The regiment's aircraft will be transitioned to AH‑64E Apache attack helicopters, which are being acquired from the United States in a $4.5 billion dollar deal.

Six Apaches have been delivered to Townsville, with all 29 expected to arrive in Australia by the end of 2029.

Lieutenant-Colonel Perrins was one of the first army pilots qualified to fly the Apaches.

"I wouldn't say the Tigers can't keep up, both are excellent attack platforms, but what the Apache does, it is a step-up in a number of areas, connectivity and data systems and sensors," he said.

An ADF spokesperson said the transition to the Apache Helicopter reflected "Australia's need to operate in an evolving threat environment".