Canberra
Australia's MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) fleet, have been retired early following a fatal crash in July. The decision was announced by the Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, indicating that the Taipans will not return to flying operations before their initially planned withdrawal date in December 2024. This early retirement follows a tragic incident in July, where four ADF personnel lost their lives when their MRH-90 crashed into the ocean off the coast of Queensland during a military training exercise. The safety and well-being of military personnel are the government's top priorities, stated Minister Marles. Australia is in the process of transitioning to a fleet of 40 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, which will replace the retired Taipans. Investigations into the two incidents involving the MRH-90 helicopters remain ongoing.