A new military support move could be on the way: the Australian government is weighing a Ukrainian request to transfer its fleet of retiring Tiger reconnaissance helicopters, according to ABC. The decision would come alongside an anticipated new aid package for Kyiv.

Australia considering sending its retiring Tiger helicopters to Ukraine

ABC reports that the Albanese government is considering transferring its fleet of retiring Eurocopter Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters to Ukraine. This move would be separate from the expected new funding package for Kyiv’s war effort. ABC reports that Canberra is weighing a Ukrainian request for military helicopters.

The discussion follows the controversial decision in 2024 to dismantle and bury the fleet of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters after a fatal crash in July 2023, which killed four Australian soldiers. That decision sparked backlash from Australia’s Ukrainian community, which had criticized the move.

Tigers can be used against Shaheds

Militarnyi noted:

"The Tigers could strengthen Ukraine’s air defense model against drones, complementing both stationary and mobile air defense systems."

It notes that currently, the Ukrainian helicopter “destroy up to 40% of Shahed‑type drones ” in interception zones. Militarnyi underlines the advantages of helicopters in this role — mobility, fast reaction times, and ability to operate at low altitudes where many ground‑based air defense systems struggle.

At the same time, technical concerns remain. The research and security analysis website Global Security highlights years of persistent problems with Tiger ARH helicopters in Australian service.

The Two Pacific allies are strengthening Ukraine’s defenses with major new military packages and by formally joining a key NATO–US initiative, according to statements from Ukrainian officials and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Australia and New Zealand will now contribute to the PURL weapons supply mechanism, adding more than $70 million in combined aid.

Australia and New Zealand join NATO–US PURL weapons supply initiative

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced on 3 December that Australia and New Zealand would become the first NATO partners to join the PURL initiative — the prioritized Ukraine requirement list used to deliver lethal and non-lethal US capabilities. Speaking after the Ukraine–NATO Council meeting, Rutte said their contributions, alongside new pledges from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland, helped push total commitments to over $4 billion so far.

“Our support is making a real difference on the ground,” said Rutte, highlighting the crucial role of air defense deliveries and the need to continue the flow of weapons into 2026. 

He described Australia and New Zealand’s decision to join as “truly great news” and emphasized that burden-sharing for Ukraine aid had improved in recent weeks.

$63 million military package from Australia includes air defense and drone support

Australia’s military support for Ukraine totals AUD 95 million ($63 million), Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko said on Facebook. This includes AUD 50 million for the PURL mechanism, AUD 2 million for the international Drone Coalition, and AUD 43 million in military hardware. The equipment package contains tactical air-defense radar systems, munitions, and combat engineering assets.

Myroshnychenko thanked Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy. 

“This is a true demonstration of Aussie mateship. We will never forget your support,” he wrote.

New Zealand pledges $8.7 million and joins PURL effort

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defense Minister Judith Collins announced a NZD 15 million ($8.7 million) contribution to the PURL initiative. According to Ambassador Myroshnychenko, this marks a major step from a country 17,000 kilometers away from the battlefield.

“New Zealand’s regional security depends on our joint efforts as democratic nations to ensure Russia’s failure in Ukraine,” he wrote. 

The ambassador also expressed gratitude to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and reiterated Ukraine’s appreciation for the solidarity shown from across the Indo-Pacific.

Over $4 billion already pledged to PURL in 2025

According to Rutte, the PURL initiative — funded by NATO allies and now partners — aims to keep a consistent flow of weapons and equipment into Ukraine, especially as the war continues into another winter. With over two-thirds of NATO members already on board, the addition of Australia and New Zealand broadens the geographic scope of the coalition supporting Ukraine’s defense.