Robert Dougherty

Both companies demonstrated the helicopter’s ability to be commanded to take-off, identify the location and size of a small fire, and then accurately drop water to suppress the flames.

The two-seater Tiger attack helicopters were originally introduced into service with the ADF in 2004 and are expected to be withdrawn from service in 2027/2028.

As part of the ADF’s Operation Solania, the aircraft flew sorties out of Suva and monitored the country’s exclusive economic zone.

The move is Australia’s contribution to multinational efforts to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

The aerospace giant has produced a total of eight MQ-28A prototype aircraft, with three Block 2 variants currently in production.

The company previously announced the proposed sale of Quickstep Aerospace Services and its maintenance, repair and overhaul operation based in Tullamarine, Victoria.