Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, announced on October 1 that the Army’s fleet of Tiger ARH helicopters has passed the key Initial Operational Test and Evaluation Readiness milestone.
“This is a critical milestone in the development of this important capability which will provide Army and the Australian Defence Force with one of the most technologically advanced combat helicopters in the world,” Combet said.
“The crews of the 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin will now focus on team training with multiple aircraft, and utilising the sensors and outstanding weapon systems of the Tiger in the combined arms environment of the landforce battlespace.”
Combet noted a particular highlight of the program has been the successful integration of the Hellfire missile into Australian Tigers, providing the aircraft with “exceptionally accurate firepower out to eight kilometres by day and night.” France, which operates the similarly configured Tiger HAP, has announced that it intends to integrate Hellfire missiles on its next version of the aircraft.
Combet also congratulated the major parties involved in fielding the Tiger fleet. “I congratulate Australian Aerospace, the Defence Materiel Organisation and the Army personnel who worked many long hours to introduce this highly complex but most capable level of military equipment,” he said.