The British Ministry of Defense today confirmed the first delivery to the Ukrainian armed forces of Sikorsky SH-3 HU5 "Sea King" military helicopters no longer in service with the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, with the last helicopter retired from service in 2018, then taken over by the civilian operator Heli Operations.

This is the first time the UK has supplied aircraft to Kiev, having previously sent drones. The delivery follows the US delivery of 20 Russian-built Mi-17 aircraft. Great Britain thus remains the second largest donor of military aid to Ukraine, after the US. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced further support of around 58 million Euros, including 1,000 surface-to-air missiles, radar and anti-drone electronic warfare technology.

The shipment of the "Sea King" helicopters comes following the training of 10 Ukrainian crews and ground personnel (piloting and maintenance) by the Royal Navy. These are aircraft used for decades by the London armed forces in missions such as anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue (SAR, Search and Rescue), transport of soldiers and material, air assault and reconnaissance.