The British military has been using Sea King helicopters for more than 40 years. Now London wants to deliver three decommissioned models to Ukraine. The machines are suitable both for rescue missions and for anti-submarine warfare.
Britain is supporting Ukraine with helicopters for the first time. As reported by the BBC, Kyiv is to receive a total of three Sea King aircraft. The first helicopter has already arrived in Ukraine. British specialists have trained their Ukrainian comrades in Great Britain in recent weeks.
Sea Kings had been in service with both the British Air Force and Navy since 1970, but were decommissioned in 2018. The multi-purpose helicopters can be used for anti-submarine and search and rescue missions. The typical armament consists of four torpedoes, four depth charges or two anti-ship missiles. The Sea King can land on the water and, in an emergency, propel itself on the water using only one of the two turbines.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace also announced 10,000 rounds of artillery ammunition for Ukraine ahead of a meeting with allies in Oslo. During a visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the delivery of 125 anti-aircraft guns and anti-drone technology. At the beginning of November, the British Ministry of Defense had already promised Ukraine the delivery of 1,000 anti-aircraft missiles. In addition, there is winter equipment for the Ukrainian army such as sleeping bags, sleeping mats or warm clothing.
The United States has also provided Ukraine with helicopters this year. These were 16 Mi-17 helicopters of Russian design. Britain is the second largest donor of military aid to Ukraine after the United States.
