U.K. to Transfer Royal Navy's Decommissioned Sea King Helicopters to Ukraine

The United Kingdom has agreed to send helicopters to Ukraine for the first time since Russia's invasion, the country’s defence ministry confirmed Wednesday.

In addition to the three former British military Sea King helicopters, the first of which has already arrived in war-torn Ukraine, the U.K. will also supply an additional 10,000 artillery rounds.

The Sea King Helicopters were made by Westland Helicopters. First inducted in 1969, the last one was decommissioned from Royal Navy service in 2018.

The Royal Navy provided a six-week programme of Sea King training for 10 crews of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and associated engineers.

The additional military aid comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Kyiv at the weekend, where he announced a £50 million package of defence aid. That package included 125 anti-aircraft guns and technology to counter deadly Iranian-supplied drones, including dozens of radars and anti-drone electronic warfare capability.

Britain is also supplying winter kit to Ukraine’s troops as they continue to battle to liberate their country from Russian forces as winter rapidly approaches - when temperatures are known to sink to minus 20°C and below in parts of the country. Heavy duty sleeping bags and roll mats, combined with heated accommodation and personal winter clothing, will help to prevent cold-related injuries and ensure troops can operate effectively and efficiently.