Department of Defence Media Mail List
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CPA 063/07 Wednesday, 14 March 2007

INCIDENT INVOLVING AUSTRALIAN
CH-47 CHINOOK HELICOPTER IN AFGHANISTAN

On 12 March 2007, an Australian CH-47 Chinook helicopter operating between Tarin Kowt and Kandahar, Afghanistan, was fired upon by what appears to be a Rocket Propelled Grenade.

Upon successful completion of the mission, a member of the media contingent on the Australian aircraft reviewed video taken during the transit that showed that the helicopter was engaged by what appears to be a Rocket Propelled Grenade.

No Australian personnel or passengers on the aircraft were injured as a result of the incident.

The Australian Chinook helicopters and crews operating in Afghanistan are among the best trained and equipped in the world.

Director General Public Affairs, Brigadier Gus Gilmore, said the ADF had committed significant resources and conducted intensive crew training to ensure that the CH-47 Detachment is well suited for operations in Southern Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan remains a dangerous place, but through their tactics, techniques and procedures, our aircrew are able to fly with a high degree of confidence,” said Brigadier Gilmore.

“Our aircraft include a range of systems and armour enhancements to increase their survivability for just this type of incident.”

The aircraft has recently undergone a $25 million dollar upgrade and has been fitted with a complete suite of defensive systems designed to mitigate against a broad range of threats. This includes electronic systems, weapons, techniques and procedures.


Media contact:
Defence Media Liaison
(02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664


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Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 6265 6946