Image source: topwar.ru
Large-scale Talisman Sabre 2023 exercises are taking place in Australia, involving over 30 thousand fighters with the participation of military personnel from the United States, as well as Japan, France, Germany, South Korea and other countries. However, the maneuvers had to be stopped due to the crash of the MRH 90 Taipan helicopter.
As reported in the publication NEWS.com.au, a rotorcraft of the Australian Army, performing the task assigned within the framework of these exercises in a group with two other helicopters, crashed at 22:30 local time off the coast of Hamilton Island; allegedly, the equipment "crashed into the water". Its wreckage has been found, and a search is underway for four crew members who were initially considered dead.
This is another accident involving Taipan this year. In March, an engine failure occurred on a similar car, two people were injured.
- it is said on the website of the Ministry of Defense of the country.
At the same time, the entire history of his service is accompanied by constant troubles. 47 MRH 90 Taipan (together with 6 for the Navy) were purchased in 2004 from the French company Airbus. After that, its operation was suspended more than once due to various accidents and other failures.
- the publication says.
In 2021, the government decided not to wait for the expiration of the life of the Taipan fleet and to take them out of service 10 years earlier. They should be replaced by 40 American UH-60 Black Hawks, for which $ 1.95 billion is allocated.
- it is noted in the publication, probably hinting at possible similar problems with French submarines if the contract for their purchase had not been terminated.
