Australia to scrap choppers requested by Ukraine – media — RT World News
Canberra has reportedly not responded to Kiev's calls to donate the retired MRH-90 Taipan helicopters.
Australia is moving ahead with plans to scrap dozens of military helicopters that Ukraine and its supporters believe should be donated to Kiev, ABC News reported on Sunday.
The Australian Department of Defense retired the MRH-90 Taipan fleet from service last September, following an accident that claimed the lives of four service members. The helicopters were taken out of service 14 months ahead of schedule, with 38 helicopters remaining in service at that time. In December, the Ukrainian government made a formal request to donate it to its war effort against Russia, according to the report, but Canberra is nonetheless pressing ahead with its plans.
Ministry of Defense “We will dispose of the remaining airframes and systems in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.” The media quoted his spokesman as saying.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasily Miroshnichenko, told ABC News that he was “I hope there is still a possibility.” that the remaining MRH-90s would be delivered to his nation because he had not received an official response.
The Australian government highlighted its military assistance to Ukraine when asked about Kiev's request for the helicopters.
“We have already committed A$910 million [US$608 million] Spending value. About A$730 million of that is for military equipment. Acting Defense Secretary Matt Thistlethwaite told reporters earlier this month. “Includes 120 Bushmasters [armored vehicles]It includes a wedge-tailed aircraft, and includes many artillery mechanisms, including artillery and howitzers.
Officials in Kiev have complained that a shortage of weapons and equipment donated by the West has undermined its war efforts. Ukraine has also requested more advanced weapons, such as long-range missiles and F-16 fighter jets.
Last month, London Mayor Sadiq Khan resorted to giving civilian cars to Kiev instead of disposing of them as required by environmental rules in the British capital. Meanwhile, Argentina reportedly offered Ukraine two Russian-made Mil Mi171E rescue helicopters, which had difficulties flying on their own.
Moscow said that continuing to arm Ukraine would only prolong the conflict, but would not change the outcome. Russian officials have claimed that Western donors seek to harm Russia without any regard for the lives of Ukrainians.
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