Australia flags Tiger progressive upgrade

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Australia flags Tiger progressive upgrade

July 01, 2009

The Australian Department of Defence is flagging emerging plans for a progressive upgrade to its Eurocopter Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters.

Australia’s latest defence capability plan (DCP), released 1 July, says that it is looking at adding additional phases to the Air 87 acquisition project ensure the Australian Tigers remain currency with operational requirements.. Government approvals are not expected before 2016.

The new DCP says that “there is likely to be new phase - or phases - to maintain the effectiveness of the capability. This project is expected to provide system upgrades to the armed reconnaissance helicopter consistent with the parent Franco-German Tiger helicopter program.

“These upgrades may include weapons, engines, software, aircraft mission management system and ground support system upgrades”.

The upgrade package is provisionally forecast at costing between AUD$100 million and AUD$500 million.

The DCP says that “Defence will commence work on developing this phase for government consideration after 2016”.

Australia is currently still in the delivery phase for its Tiger fleet.

Last month the Australian DoD flagged possible future modifications to the Tigers to support enhanced interoperability with army’s battlefield command and control system.

DoD officials told Australian Senate defence budget hearings that the possible modifications could include improved data linking to support transfer of targeting and situational awareness, but that no firm decisions had yet been made.

By Peter La Franchi, Adelaide

Source: http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/3238/australia-flags-tiger-progressive-upgrade/