Germany may send helicopters to Ukraine in April

The Sea King helicopters pledged by Germany may arrive in Ukraine as early as April this year.

German Defense Ministry spokesperson Arne Collatz said this at a briefing on Wednesday, January 24, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"As for the Sea King, I can confirm that we have agreed with Ukraine on the transfer of six Sea King helicopters. This will be possible approximately from April," he said.

He noted that this would not reduce the combat capability of the Bundeswehr, which plans to gradually replace this type of helicopter with the Sea Lion. Meanwhile, during the consultations, the Ukrainian side showed interest in the Sea King model. In addition to the machines themselves, Ukraine will also receive spare parts and other things, as well as training.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said after the 18th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group that Germany planned to supply Ukraine with six Sea King Mk41 multi-purpose helicopters and spare parts.

"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," Pistorius said.