The British government announced a joint initiative with Germany to upgrade Ukraine’s Sea King helicopters with modern missile systems, according to an official UK government statement.
The British government reports that “the countries will provide Ukraine with new offensive capabilities in the short term. “
The UK did not specify how many helicopters and types of systems would be transferred.
The cooperation extends beyond helicopter upgrades. Britain plans to strengthen its support for the armor coalition led by Germany and Poland, while Germany will contribute to the drone coalition under Latvian and British leadership.
The Sea King, a twin-engine naval helicopter designed for anti-submarine warfare, has been in service since 1963. Britain manufactured 41 units in six modifications.
Ukraine received its first Sea King from the UK in January 2023, with Germany announcing the transfer of six additional units in January 2024.
This development comes amid other defense cooperation initiatives.
Norway has committed to funding weapons for Ukrainian F-16s, while President Zelenskyy is seeking air defense systems and artillery ammunition from South Korea.
The Ukrainian president also said that despite NATO agreements, Poland’s promised MiG fighters have not yet been delivered.
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