The German Army has taken delivery of the last of four Tiger Support Helicopters specially outftted for use in Afghanistan, where they could be deployed by the end of the year.
The helicopters were modified to include a sand filter, additional defence systems, a mission data recorder and enhanced communications equipment, the helicopters manufacturer, Eurocopter, said. A second batch of four modified Tigers is set to be delivered by the end of the year.
Germany’s Tiger program has faced a series of setbacks, with the German government suspending the program in 2010 over problems with wiring and performance. Germany last year halved its total order of Tigers to 40.
Australia’s Tiger Armed Reconaissance Helicopter, based on the same Eurocopter platform, has also faced significant delays. Australia’s 22-strong Tiger fleet is scheduled to reach full operational capability by the end of the year.
France also operates a Tiger variant, which has been deployed to Afghanistan and Libya.
