In a tragic incident during joint military exercises between Australia and the United States, a Taipan helicopter belonging to the Australian Army crashed off the east coast of Australia. The accident occurred late Friday during the large-scale Talisman Sabre drills, leaving four Australian defense personnel missing at sea. The search and rescue operation is underway, as authorities and allies rally to find the crew.

Four Australian defense personnel go missing at sea after their Taipan helicopter crashes during joint wargames with the US, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.

During a routine two-helicopter mission as part of the Talisman Sabre exercises, an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter ditched in the waters near Lindeman Island, Queensland. The Australian Defense Ministry revealed that the aircraft impacted waters during the joint wargame drills with the United States.

Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts

Speaking at a press conference in Brisbane, Defense Minister Richard Marles expressed his concern and stated that the search for the four missing air crew was ongoing. The accident occurred just after 10.30 pm, and since there was another helicopter present during the incident, a search and rescue mission promptly commenced. However, as of now, the four air crew members have not been found, and the search efforts continue.

International Support and Sympathy

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed his sympathy in a joint statement with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. The Prime Minister expressed that the thoughts of the nation were with the loved ones of the missing personnel. Both leaders also acknowledged the professionalism and skills of the search and rescue teams and held on to hope for a positive outcome.

Talisman Sabre Military Drills

Talisman Sabre exercises are large-scale military drills conducted between the United States and Australia, alternating between the two countries every other year. These exercises often involve allied forces as well. The current drills were in progress when the tragic incident took place, leading to the suspension of the exercises to allow participants to contact their families.

Support from US Officials

Both US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who were present in Australia at the time, expressed their solidarity with the affected families and Australian forces. Secretary Blinken emphasized the unity shared by both nations in safeguarding freedom and pledged additional assistance. Secretary Austin stressed the importance of rigorous training to ensure effective crisis response and protection of lives.

History of MRH-90 Taipan Concerns

This unfortunate incident marks the second time this year that an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter has crashed into the sea. In a previous incident in March, an MRH-90 was forced to ditch due to engine failure, resulting in two injuries. It is worth noting that in 2019, the Australian government announced the premature retirement of the entire fleet of Airbus-manufactured Taipan helicopters, citing long-standing concerns over the project.

Tragic incident during joint military drills as a Taipan helicopter crashes off Australia’s east coast, leaving four defense personnel missing at sea. Get updates on the ongoing search and international support in this comprehensive article.

The Australian Defense Ministry and allied forces are actively conducting a search and rescue operation to locate the four missing Australian defense personnel after the helicopter crash during joint wargame drills with the United States. The incident has drawn widespread international support and sympathy, with hopes for a positive outcome for the missing crew. As the search continues, the nation remains united in holding the crew and their families in their thoughts and prayers.