Airbus has been awarded an extension of the Australian Army’s Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Tiger through-life support (TLS) contract by the Australian Department of Defence.

The TLS extension covering the ARH programme until 2025 includes among others, more extensive aircraft and component deeper maintenance, operational maintenance of aircraft allocated to training, aircrew and technician training, and more. The contract provides for an increase in spare parts stocks. More than 200 full time positions will remain in Australia to carry out this very important work supporting the Army Aviation Australia-wide. Airbus Australia Pacific Managing Director Andrew Mathewson said that the five-year, TLS contract extension reflected the current standing of the Tiger in Australia.

“Airbus is committed to ensuring the success of the Australian ARH Tiger fleet, and we have worked closely with the Australian Army and our industry partners to improve the fleet‘s performance over many years,” he said. Mr Mathewson also said that there would be a cycle of continuous improvement as Airbus continues to learn from the extensive operational experience gained by Tiger helicopters in other countries.