Germany to donate six Sea King helicopters to Ukraine

In a significant escalation of military aid, Germany announced its first direct delivery of aircraft to Ukraine: six Sea King helicopters slated for arrival in the second quarter of 2024. This move, unveiled by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, marks a departure from previous German support focused on non-lethal supplies and training.

These hardy Sikorsky-built helicopters, once the mainstay of the Royal Navy, will bolster Ukraine’s capabilities in several key areas. Their primary mission will be enhancing surveillance over the Black Sea, aiding in the monitoring of Russian naval activity and securing essential maritime trade routes. Additionally, the Sea Kings’ troop transport capacity will prove valuable in facilitating rapid deployment of Ukrainian forces across the battlefront.

This decision reflects increasing pressure on Germany and other Western nations to provide Ukraine with heavier weaponry, particularly in the realm of air defense. “For the protection of the Ukrainian people and infrastructure, air defence continues to be the number 1 priority,” Pistorius emphasized during a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. He further stressed the need for accelerated weapons production to meet the urgent demands of the conflict.

These hardy Sikorsky-built helicopters, once the mainstay of the Royal Navy and affectionately nicknamed “Tintenfässer” (inkpots) in Germany, boast a rich history within the Bundeswehr. Germany’s involvement with the Sea King began in 1969 when they placed an order for 22 Mk.41 variants, specifically designed for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. These helicopters differed from the standard HAS.1 model, featuring an enlarged cabin for enhanced troop and cargo capacity and increased fuel reserves for extended range. Delivered between 1973 and 1975, they formed the backbone of Marinefliegergeschwader 5 (MFG 5), the German Navy’s 5th Naval Air Wing.

However, the Sea Kings’ story in Germany didn’t end there. Recognizing their potential beyond SAR, the fleet underwent upgrades between 1986 and 1988. This modernization equipped them with the capability to carry Sea Skua anti-ship missiles, adding a layer of offensive power and necessitating the installation of a Ferranti Seaspray radar in the nose. These modifications transformed the Sea Kings into versatile platforms capable of undertaking various missions including SAR, transport, disaster relief, tactical land-sea operations, evacuation, surveillance, reconnaissance, and even naval support.

Currently, the 21 remaining Sea Kings are primarily stationed at Nordholz Naval Air Base, with detachments regularly deployed to Heligoland Airfield, Warnemünde Air Base, and occasionally Borkum Airfield. While their eventual replacement by the NH-90 helicopters is planned, the Sea Kings’ continued service underscores their durability and adaptability.

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