Four Australian army personnel lost at sea after ejecting from chopper

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Jul 2023 15:00

Forced to abandon their Taipan helicopter during joint drills with the US military, four Australian defense personnel remain missing at sea.

In this photo provided by the Australian Defense Force Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopters prepare to land at Townsville, Australia, May 10, 2023, during Exercise Brolga Run 23. (AP)

During joint wargames on Friday between the US and Australia, four Australian personnel went missing off the east coast of Australia after they were forced to abandon their Taipan helicopter.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, during a press conference in Brisbane, on Saturday, said, “We meet this day with a heavy heart," announcing that "Last night, just after 10.30, an Australian Army helicopter, an MRH-90, ditched in waters close to Hamilton Island. The helicopter was engaging in a two-helicopter mission."

Marles explained that “There were four air crew aboard. Because there was another helicopter present, a search and rescue was able to commence immediately. As we speak to you now, the four-air crew are yet to be found. The search and rescue continues."

In turn, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that their “thoughts are with loved ones of the missing,” adding that "We have the utmost confidence in their professionalism and skill."

The two US officials currently present in Australia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, also voiced their concerns regarding the accident, reaffirming the importance of such drills.

As for the drills, Talisman Sabre Exercise Director Brigadier Damien Hill announced that they will be put on hold to allow all participants, “regardless of their nation, to reach out and let their families know what is going on.”

US to assist Australia in missile manufacturing and export

It is worth noting that Blinken and Lloyd are in Australia to discuss matters of defense with their Australian counterpart and not only to overlook the joint drills.

Following meetings between Blinken and Austin with the Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, in Brisbane, Marles confirmed on Saturday that Washington wants to increase its declining weapons stockpile by assisting Australia in manufacturing and exporting missiles.

Marles said, "We hope to see manufacturing of missiles commenced in Australia in two years' time," adding that "We are really pleased with the steps that we are taking in respect of establishing a guided weapons and explosive ordnance enterprise in this country."

According to the US Defense Secretary, the initiative would allow the US to "sharpen our technological edge and strengthen our defense industrial base."