Australian Army is planning to procure 29 new armed reconnaissance helicopters to replace the Tiger helicopters. Credit: © Australian Army.

Airbus Helicopters has formally proposed its Tiger attack helicopter for the Australian Army’s future armed reconnaissance helicopter requirements.

The company proposed its Tiger platform as a ‘cost-effective’ solution for Australia’s Project LAND4503 Armed Reconnaissance Capability.

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In July, the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) issued a request for information (RFI) for the purchase of 29 new armed reconnaissance helicopters (ARH) for the army.

The new helicopters under the Land 4503 project will replace the Australian Army’s Airbus-manufactured Tiger ARH fleet.

Five of the new helicopters will be used for training purposes, while 24 will be stationed at a single location.

Airbus introduced the tandem seat Tiger helicopters to the Australian Army in 2004.

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Airbus claimed that the new Tiger platform proposal will deliver savings of around $A3bn ($2.01bn) for the Australian Government.

Airbus Australia Pacific managing director Andrew Mathewson said: “Tiger is an extremely agile, effective, and digitally connected armed reconnaissance helicopter.

“Since delivery, the Australian Tiger has matured into a fully operational army capability, and is integrated into the combined arms team. It continues to prove itself as an adaptable platform, and is now a key element of Australia’s amphibious capabilities on board the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks.”

Airbus further claimed that the Tiger platform will be able to conduct operations beyond 2040.

The company also highlighted that the cost for each flight hour of the Tiger has been cut down by over 30%, and the sortie success rate stands at over 95%.

Around 181 Tiger helicopters have been delivered to France, Germany, Spain and Australia.

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