Ukrainian officials and community members are intensifying their pressure on the Australian government to reconsider its decision to scrap its retired Taipan helicopters instead of sending them to war-torn Ukraine. The controversy centers on the fate of 45 MRH-90s, grounded after a fatal crash in July 2023 and slated for dismantling and burial.
_NHI_MRH-(cropped).png)
Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 AU, via Wikimedia Commons
Ukraine, facing Russian air superiority, made an official request for the Taipans in December, arguing they would be crucial in bolstering their defense. “The way to support Ukraine now would be to give those Taipan helicopters,” stated Stefan Romaniw, co-chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations. “They need to fight the war in the air.”
However, the Australian government remains firm in its stance. Citing safety concerns and the ongoing replacement of Taipans with Blackhawks, they emphasize the disposal process is already underway. “We will dispose of the remaining airframes and systems in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner,” a Defence spokesperson told the ABC.
Critics, including Kateryna Argyrou, co-chair of the same organization, question the government’s reasoning. “The Russian federation has complete air superiority over Ukraine,” she argued. “Those 45 Taipan helicopters could end up on the Ukrainian front line, it would go a very long way to help Ukrainians fight for freedom and democracy.”
Adding to the complexity, reports suggest the Taipans’ safety issues may not be as severe as initially portrayed. The ABC revealed investigators ruled out a connection between the fatal crash and a prior incident involving another Taipan. This raises questions about whether concerns are solely safety-based or influenced by other factors.
The government, however, maintains its commitment to supporting Ukraine through other means. “Australia remains one of the largest non-NATO contributors to the resistance effort in Ukraine,” they stated, highlighting $910 million in aid and the deployment of 370 troops for training purposes.
The controversy is likely to continue as the Ukrainian community ramps up its campaign. Rallying in Sydney on Jan. 14, they aim to sway public opinion and pressure the government to reconsider. Ultimately, the decision rests with the Australian government, who must weigh the risks and benefits of sending the Taipans against their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
For more information, hit the Source below