Australia announced today that it is abandoning its European-made MRH90, or Taipan, military helicopter fleet in favor of American aircraft, despite efforts by Paris to preserve the current contract, AFP reported.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles from the center-left cabinet, elected last year, specified that the Taipan helicopters would be replaced by US-made Black Hawk machines.

The MRH90 or "Taipan" is an Australian version of the NH90 – a multi-role helicopter used in the French army under the name "Cayman".

These machines are produced by the European industrial consortium "NH Industries" (NHI), uniting the European aircraft manufacturer "Airbus Helicopters", the Italian group "Leonardo" and the Dutch "Fokker".

The "taipans" have been causing us problems with maintenance and the supply of spare parts for many years now.

We are convinced that this will not interrupt the renewed relations with France, Marles explained today in a program on the Australian ABC television.

Trust between the two countries was damaged in September 2021 when the former Australian Conservative government abruptly canceled a $90 billion (€56 billion) contract for submarines manufactured by France's Naval Group, preferring British or American submarines with atomic propulsion.

In May 2022, Australia elected a new prime minister - Anthony Albanese, who made efforts to restore relations with Paris, BTA recalls.

Australia: We remain committed to the submarine deal with the US

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