Taipan helicopters permanently grounded after deadly crash

Australia’s Taipan helicopters will be permanently grounded before their planned withdrawal date of 2024.

“The Taipan has been an important capability for our country and defense force,” Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a statement on Friday.

“I recognise the hard work – the first of the 40 Black Hawks that will replace it have arrived and are already flying in Australia.

“The government’s highest priority is safety and wellbeing, and we continue to support the families of the four soldiers who lost their lives.”

The announcement comes after four crew members died in July when a Taipan crashed into the sea near Hamilton Island during military exercises off Queensland.

Видео Taipan helicopters permanently grounded after deadly crash канала Sky News Australia