The German government has announced that it will provide Ukraine with six Sea King Mk41 military helicopters in support of the war against Russia.
of announcement Created by the German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius During the 18th meeting of the Ramstein Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine.
He said the retired multipurpose helicopter would be handed over to the Ukrainian military “in the coming months.”
This will be the first time Berlin has sent much-needed military helicopters to Kiev since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
In addition to the rotorcraft, Germany will deliver spare parts and train Ukrainian pilots.
Strengthening reconnaissance
First commissioned in the mid-1970s, Seeking Mk41 It served as the German Navy’s “main force in naval aviation.”
It was designed to transport troops and cargo and carry out rescue missions at sea.
With an operational range of 1,500 kilometers (930 miles), the helicopter can operate in adverse weather conditions and fire heavy machine gun attacks.
In Ukraine, the Sea King is expected to strengthen the Kiev military’s reconnaissance and transport capabilities.
“The Sea King is a robust helicopter with a proven track record of helping Ukrainians in many areas, from reconnaissance in the Black Sea to transporting soldiers. It is the first delivery of its kind in Germany,” Pistorius said.
Initiatives for Ukraine
Germany is one of the major contributors of arms and equipment to Ukraine, along with the United States and Britain.
Since 2022, it has provided 6 billion euros ($6.5 billion) in military aid to the war-torn country.
Earlier this month, Berlin made a donation 3 Gepard anti-aircraft guns And thousands of shells were provided to the Ukrainian army.
He also promised: double military aid Up to 8 billion euros ($8.5 billion) to Kiev in 2024.
