Australian Army Farewells ARH Tiger Helicopters

28 September 2026

Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH Tiger) of the Australian Army (photos: 1st Australian Regiment)

The Australian Army will shortly conclude Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH Tiger) flying operations in Darwin, marking a significant milestone in the transition to the new AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter capability.

In recognition, the 1st Aviation Regiment will mark the occasion with an open day for members and their families, a formal dinner and a flyover of Darwin.

Commander Army Aviation, Major General David Hafner AM CSC, said the ARH Tiger had provided Army with an armed reconnaissance capability for two decades.

"The end of ARH Tiger flying operations is a significant moment for the 1st Aviation Regiment, but it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we continue our relocation to Townsville and further build Australia's attack helicopter capability around the AH-64E Apache," Major General Hafner said.

"Our soldiers, aircrew and maintainers have achieved an extraordinary transition from the ARH Tiger to the Apache, while continuing to deliver training and operational outputs.

“Their dedication has ensured Army remains ready for the future."

When introduced into Australian service, the ARH Tiger combined the capabilities of the unarmed Kiowa reconnaissance helicopter and the Bushranger armed version of the Iroquois utility helicopter, into a single platform that integrated intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and strike effects.

ARH Tiger when commissioned in 15/12/2004 (photo: Aus DoD)

The retirement of the ARH Tiger reflects its planned 20-year service life and Australia’s need to operate in an evolving threat environment, where advanced air defence systems, precision weapons and uncrewed platforms present challenges better suited to the capabilities of next generation battlefield helicopters such as the AH-64E Apache.

The Apache is replacing the ARH Tiger within the 1st Aviation Regiment and will deliver enhanced firepower, networking and interoperability capabilities to support future Army operations.

This successful transition was demonstrated in July 2026, when Australian Army AH-64E Apache crews conducted their first live-fire activities in Townsville.

Six Apaches have been delivered to Australia, with all 29 helicopters expected to be delivered by the end of 2029. 

(Aus DoD)