Germany, UK install missiles on rescue helicopters to send to Ukraine battlefield

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

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

The move represents a major step forward in the commitment to provide military support to Kyiv, especially given Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. The Sea King helicopters, which Germany previously donated to Ukraine, will now be turned into attack platforms, marking a significant shift from their traditional role of primarily serving search and rescue and transport missions.

The Sea King Mk41, in service with the German Navy from the late 1970s until 2024, is a multi-role helicopter primarily used for SAR missions. Photo credit: Bundeswehr

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

The Sea King Mk41 was the mainstay of the German Navy from the late 1970s until 2024. The aircraft has a range of over 1,500 km, is equipped with Seaspray 3000 radar and FLIR infrared camera, and is well suited for sea rescue operations in harsh weather conditions. The ability to land on water and its rescue winch system make the Sea King a powerful tool for rescue missions. In addition, it can also 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 two engines with a total output of 3,400 horsepower. It can operate at altitudes of up to 3,800 meters and can carry up to 20 passengers in addition to a crew of three to four. The ability to equip a 12.7mm machine gun and the AN/ALE-37/A countermeasure system helps the aircraft defend itself during sensitive missions. Although it can land on many types of ships, only supply ships can store it in the hangar.

Sea Kings are 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 with modern missiles is aimed at meeting Ukraine's urgent needs in the war with Russia. Initially, Ukraine only requested spare parts for the three Sea King helicopters that had been previously provided by the UK. However, Germany agreed to not only provide spare parts but also new aircraft and weapons. Details of the specific missiles have not been released, but the cooperation between Germany and the UK shows the determination of the two countries to strengthen Ukraine's military power.

German-British defense cooperation goes beyond arming Ukraine, extending to areas such as next-generation weapons, armored vehicles, drones, and the protection of critical infrastructure in the North Sea. However, the supply of missiles for Sea King helicopters remains the most prominent and urgent aspect, demonstrating the concrete support of 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