The Australian army will replace its troubled Tiger helicopter fleet with the more reliable American-made Boeing Apache Guardian helicopters after a report revealed that design flaws and reliability issues plagued the Airbus-made Tigers. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said on Jan. 15 that the AH-64 Apache helicopters would strengthen Australia’s armed reconnaissance force and allow Australia to shape its strategic environment better and deter threats. “The Apache Guardian is the most lethal, most survivable and lowest risk option, meeting all of Defence’s capability, through-life support, security, and certification requirements,” Reynolds said. “By pursuing a proven and low-risk system offered by the Apache, Defence will avoid the ongoing cost and schedule risk typically associated with developmental platforms.” The Australian Defence Force (ADF) chose the Apache’s due to their proven ability, maturity, and an off-the-shelf operating system, Reynolds said. The Apache Guardian is indicated to provide improved survivability in active engagement and provide the armed …