Australia dismantles MRH90 Taipan helicopters for spare parts
The story of the MRH90 Taipan helicopters decommissioned from the Australian Army is nearing its conclusion. Although Ukraine requested their transfer several times, the helicopters ultimately met a different fate.
Australia is one of Ukraine’s allies and supports the country in its conflict with Russia, including providing military equipment. However, the Australian government has refused to send MRH90 Taipan helicopters to the front line, citing various reasons, even in response to Kyiv's public request for such a transfer.
In January 2024, Australian Defence Minister Pat Conroy stated that Ukraine's request for the transfer of MRH90 Taipan helicopters came too late, as the disposal of these helicopters had already commenced before the request was made. New details are now emerging.
Australian MRH90 Taipan for spare parts
According to Janes, the decommissioned MRH90 Taipan helicopters from the Australian Army (45 units) are being dismantled for parts, although not all components will be discarded. Some parts are to be reintroduced to the market as spare parts for similar machines still operational in various parts of the world.
The NHI Corporation (manufacturer of the NH90, upon which Australia's MRH90 Taipan is based) reportedly received 300 of the 4,000 components purchased. The first deliveries occurred in September 2024. The head of the NHI Corporation noted that spare parts from the Australian helicopters are used in a broad support programme for the NH90 and have helped address component shortages for these machines.
Capabilities of the decommissioned helicopters
Although Sweden and Norway recently stopped using the NH90, helicopters of this type remain in service in many NATO countries. They are multi-purpose helicopters powered by two engines (Rolls-Royce Turboméca RTM322-01/9 or General Electric T700/T6E1), achieving a maximum 300 km/h speed. The interior of these helicopters can accommodate two pilots and a maximum of 20 passengers.
Pilots can operate the NH90 at altitudes up to 6,000 metres. In combat variants, the machines are armed with a 7.62 or 12.7 mm machine gun and sometimes even torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
It is noteworthy that Ukraine has also been pursuing other Australian aircraft—F/A-18 Hornet fighters. Currently, efforts are being made to acquire M1A1 Abrams tanks that are being phased out of service in this country. Australia is retiring 59 such tanks, which will be replaced with newer M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams models.
