{"id":16909,"date":"2023-07-29T11:00:13","date_gmt":"2023-07-29T08:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=16909"},"modified":"2023-07-29T11:01:51","modified_gmt":"2023-07-29T08:01:51","slug":"us-australia-talisman-sabre-war-games-on-hold-after-helicopter-crash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/us-australia-talisman-sabre-war-games-on-hold-after-helicopter-crash\/","title":{"rendered":"US-Australia Talisman Sabre war games on hold after helicopter crash"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Four Australian military personnel aboard an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter were reported missing after the helicopter crashed into the sea off the coast of Queensland in Australia, on July 28, 2023.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFour crew were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident and are currently missing,\u201d the Australian Defense Ministry said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The helicopter was involved in a joint military drill between the United States and Australian forces. The drills were part of an ongoing large-scale exercise known as Talisman Sabre<\/span><\/a>. The exercise is held every other year, alternating between the two countries, and includes forces from several other allied nations. Australian authorities have put the exercises on hold following the crash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking at a press conference in Brisbane, Australia<\/span><\/a>\u2019s Defense Minister Richard Marles said the search was ongoing for the four personnel. \u201cWe meet this day with a heavy heart. 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,\u201d Marles said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The defense minister added that \u201cBecause there was another helicopter present, a search, and rescue was able to commence immediately. As we speak to you now, the four-air crew is yet to be found. The search and rescue continue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Australian Defense Ministry, the helicopter crashed between Hamilton Island and Linderman Island, off the coast of the state of Queensland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his \u201cthoughts are with loved ones of the missing.\u201d A joint statement by the Australian prime minister and deputy prime minister said that \u201cAll Australians hold them in our hearts and we hold onto hope as the search and rescue teams go about their work right now. We have the utmost confidence in their professionalism and skill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash

\u2014 4 crew missing after chopper crashed off Hamilton Island in Queensland.

\u2014 The helicopter was involved in #TalismanSabre2023<\/a>, a joint Australia-US military exercise.

\u2014 A search and rescue operation is underway. pic.twitter.com\/UflB3dT2Ru<\/a><\/p>\u2014 IRIA (@IRIA_Research) July 29, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>