Australian Defense Minister Richard Marlis said Monday that the authorities had given up hope of finding survivors in the crash of an Australian military helicopter that fell into the sea during its participation in military exercises over the weekend.
The helicopter was participating in the major “Talisman Saber” military exercises with the United States, in which Japan, France, Germany and South Korea also participate, and includes 30,000 military personnel.
The European-made plane, a Taipan MRH-90, crashed late Friday off Hamilton Island in Queensland state, in northeastern Australia.
“There was a catastrophic impact, and that is part of the reason why we have now shifted the operation from a search and rescue activity to recovery” of the helicopter and bodies, Marlies told reporters.
Troops from at least three countries involved Australian police in the search for the helicopter crew.
Angus Campbell, head of the Australian Army’s Defense Force, said authorities would do everything they could to find the bodies and recover the debris.
“This effort will continue,” he added, stressing, “We will return our comrades to their homes, families and regiments.”
Australia resumed joint military exercises with the United States after suspending them for a short time on Saturday, following the crash of the Australian army helicopter.
The maneuvers entered their second week with large-scale operations, including air maneuvers, land battles and amphibious landings.
These exercises are designed to test ground combat, amphibious landings and air operations and demonstrate the power of Western military alliances.
Australia is currently working to strengthen its armed forces, with a focus on having the ability to launch long-range military strikes to remove potential enemies such as China.
Canberra has previously announced plans to replace its fleet of old Taipan helicopters with US-made Black Hawks.
Australian officials have complained that they have had to ground the European-made Taipan planes repeatedly, citing difficulties with maintenance and the supply of spare parts.
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2023-07-31 05:35:57
