For reconnaissance and transport
Berlin is delivering six military helicopters to Ukraine
January 23, 2024, 9:34 p.m
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The Bundeswehr is once again supplying armaments to Ukraine from its own stocks. Six helicopters are to be handed over for the first time. But delivery doesn’t happen immediately.
The federal government now wants to support the defense of Ukraine with a delivery of military helicopters from the Bundeswehr’s inventory. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has promised the country six Sea King Mk41 multi-purpose helicopters, accessories and spare parts packages as well as training for them, the Defense Ministry said. Ukraine’s supporters had previously met for consultations in the so-called Ramstein format.
“The Sea King is a proven and robust helicopter that will help the Ukrainians in many areas: from reconnaissance over the Black Sea to transporting soldiers. It is the first German delivery of its kind,” said Pistorius. According to the ministry, the helicopters can be handed over to Ukraine from the second quarter of this year.
Air defense should remain a priority
For the protection of the Ukrainian population and infrastructure, air defense remains the number 1 priority. In addition, more speed in arms production is necessary. In addition: “We also plan to train 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers in Germany in 2024.”
According to the Defense Ministry, military supplies from Germany have totaled around six billion euros since the start of the war. For 2024, according to the ministry, the funds for further military support for Ukraine will almost double to around 7.5 billion euros. This makes Germany the largest military supporter in Europe and the second largest in the world behind the USA.
Ukraine’s interest in decommissioned Australian helicopters only recently became known. Ukraine is struggling to deliver the Taipan MRH-90 helicopters that were taken out of service early after a fatal accident. Four people were killed in a crash last summer and the army then suspended flights with the model. Kiev, on the other hand, considers the 45 helicopters to be good enough for use in the fight against the Russian invasion, despite security concerns.