Four members of the Australian solider air force are missing after their helicopter became stuck in waters off the country’s northeast coast during a major military exercise, Defense Minister Richard Marles said on Saturday.
The MRH-90 Taipan crashed late Friday night in subtropical waters off Hamilton Island, Queensland, while taking part in the 30,000-strong Talisman Saber exercise.
Marles said after a nearly 12-hour overnight search that will continue Saturday “As we speak to you, four of the aircrew have yet to be found, the families of the four crew have been informed of this incident and our hopes and thoughts are very much with the crew and their families, we are desperately hoping for better news later today.”
Defense officials announced a pause in the Talisman Saber exercise, which also includes troops from Japan, France, Germany and South Korea.
The exercise entered its second week and tested extensive logistics, ground combat, amphibious landings and air operations.
Australia is currently embarking on a major overhaul of its armed forces, focusing on long-range strike capabilities in an effort to keep potential adversaries such as China at arm’s length.
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