Britain to send first helicopter shipment to Ukraine

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Nov 2022 10:04

Kiev is set to receive three former Sea King helicopters.

Three Sea King helicopters will form a part of a new package of military support for Ukraine. (Times photographer Richard Pohle)

For the first time since the start of the war, the UK Ministry of Defense has declared it will send helicopters to Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, no piloted aircraft have been sent to the war-torn country, according to Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.

Three former Sea King helicopters will be provided, the first of which has already arrived in Ukraine, according to the BBC.

Wallace added that the UK will also send an extra 10,000 artillery rounds while making the announcement from Oslo, where he is meeting with allies to discuss continuing military assistance for Kiev.

This follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement of a new £50 million defense aid package that included 125 anti-aircraft guns and equipment to counter alleged Iranian-supplied drones during his visit to the capital of Ukraine.

Last month, the United Kingdom announced it would supply Ukraine with air defense missiles to confront Russia and will for the first time provide rockets with the capabilities to shoot down cruise missiles.

This announcement came after Western allies vowed to rapidly deliver new air defenses to Ukraine in order to increase its security capabilities.