Germany and the UK are fitting missiles onto rescue helicopters to send to the battlefield in Ukraine.

Germany and the United Kingdom have signed a strategic agreement to equip Ukraine's Sea King helicopters with advanced missile systems.

According to Army Recognition, Germany and the United Kingdom have signed a strategic agreement called the Trinity House Agreement, aimed at equipping Ukraine's Sea King helicopters with modern missile systems.

This move represents a significant step forward in the commitment to military support for Kyiv, especially in the context of Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia. The Sea King helicopter, previously donated by Germany to Ukraine, will now become an attack platform, marking a substantial shift from its traditional role primarily in search and rescue and transport missions.

The Sea King Mk41, which served in the German Navy from the late 1970s to 2024, is a multi-purpose helicopter primarily used for SAR (Secure Air Navigation) missions. (Image source: Bundeswehr)

This initiative originated in January 2024, when Germany committed to transferring six Sea King Mk41 helicopters to Ukraine at the 18th meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group. Initially, these helicopters were designed for rescue and personnel transport missions, equipped with features such as rescue winches and cargo hooks. However, with the current cooperation between Berlin and London, the Sea King will be equipped with advanced missile systems, opening a new chapter in the role of this helicopter type on the Ukrainian battlefield.

The Sea King Mk41 was a key aircraft in the German Navy from the late 1970s until 2024. With a range of over 1,500 km, it is equipped with the Seaspray 3000 radar and FLIR infrared cameras, making it well-suited for maritime rescue operations in harsh weather conditions. Its ability to land on water, along with its rescue winch system, makes the Sea King a powerful tool for rescue missions. Furthermore, it can be equipped with heavy machine guns and countermeasures systems, providing protection in dangerous combat situations.

Technically, the Sea King Mk41 is 22.1 meters long and has a top speed of 252 km/h thanks to its two engines with a combined power of 3,400 horsepower. It can operate at altitudes up to 3,800 meters and carry up to 20 passengers in addition to a crew of three to four. The ability to equip it with a 12.7mm machine gun and the AN/ALE-37/A countermeasures system allows the aircraft to defend itself in sensitive missions. Although it can land on many types of ships, only supply ships can store it in their hangars.

The Sea Kings were primarily used by European navies for non-combat missions, but this reconfiguration marks a shift from their traditional role. Image source: Bundeswehr

The upgrade of the Sea King helicopters with modern missiles aims to meet Ukraine's urgent needs in its war with Russia. Initially, Ukraine only requested spare parts for three Sea King helicopters previously supplied by the UK. However, Germany not only agreed to provide spare parts but also supplied additional aircraft and new weapons. Details about the specific missiles have not been released, but the cooperation between Germany and the UK demonstrates the determination of both countries to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities.

German-British defense cooperation extends beyond simply arming Ukraine; it also encompasses areas such as next-generation weapons, armored vehicles, drones, and the protection of critical infrastructure in the North Sea. However, the provision of missiles for Sea King helicopters remains the most prominent and urgent aspect, demonstrating concrete support from the two European powers for Kyiv's fighting efforts.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/duc-anh-lap-ten-lua-vao-truc-thang-cuu-ho-de-gui-den-chien-truong-ukraine-354694.html