ISTANBUL 

Australia on Thursday officially denied a request by Ukraine to use dozens of its retired Taipan helicopters that a top official said are not in working condition. 

Speaking to public broadcaster ABC Radio, Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said a significant investment of money, time, and resources would be need to bring the 45 Taipan MRH-90 helicopters back to flying condition. 

They were retired last year after a crash in Queensland that killed four defense personnel. 

The helicopters are currently being taken apart and prepared for burial at a defense site.

Efforts had previously been made to find a buyer for the air frames, but there was no interest, according to ABC News.

Ukraine's request was declined, and the disassembly process began after the government received the request just before Christmas last year.

The investigation into the deadly crash is still ongoing.