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| Ukraine Showcases Sophisticated Helicopters UH-60 Black Hawk |
Kiev - The Armed Forces of Ukraine surprisingly demonstrated the S-70/H-60 Black Hawk helicopter series made in the United States (US). The Black Hawk helicopter, which is known to be the mainstay of the US Army, appears to be operated by the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate.
The sightings of the Ukrainian Black Hawk helicopters are posted on the website of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (full designation of the Directorate of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine). The post includes two photos of the Black Hawk series helicopter in a hangar in Ukraine. One photo shows two armed helicopter crew members posing in front of the plane.
Another photo alongside the Black Hawk helicopter is a Ukrainian Mi-24 Hind helicopter, with a crew of two others and a four-man special operations forces team.
“Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Aviation continues to work at the forefront of our country's defense,” a statement on the website of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate quoted from The War Zone, Wednesday (22/2/2023).
“Reconnaissance pilots have just returned from another combat mission, combat helicopters have significantly increased the capabilities of the special units of the Main Directorate of Intelligence and the effectiveness of special operations. The pilots of the [Main Intelligence Directorate] continue to destroy the enemy in all areas of the front," the Defense Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine continued.
Although not explicit, the information provided indicates that the Black Hawk and Mi-24 helicopters are new additions to the regular fleet of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate. In the past, this helicopter is known to have been used by the Ukrainian Army Aviation along with Soviet and Russian Mi-8 and Mi-17 Hips helicopters.
The Black Hawk helicopter shown is painted in a distinctive gloss black color with wide blue and silver stripes running around the underside of the fuselage, as well as over and above the engine housing. The prominent Ukrainian roundabout and national flag are also prominently displayed.
“As far as we can see from the two photos available, the UH-60A now in service with the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine does not display any obvious mission modifications, such as electro-optical sensors, weapons or self-protection systems,” wrote The War Zone.
Regardless of the configuration, the new Ukrainian UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters have yet to be detailed as to whether this is an initial delivery or the only helicopter delivered. However, the delivery of even one Black Hawk, represents a significant development for the Ukrainian military's aviation capabilities.
While some 40 helicopters had previously been supplied as military aid by Kiev's allies, until now, almost all of them were Soviet-era aircraft. Especially the Mi-8/17 and Mi-24 helicopters, which are far different from the more modern Western-made helicopters.
The Black Hawk helicopter has proven to be a special forces support platform, most notably used by the US Army Special Operations Command. The presence of this sophisticated helicopter certainly strengthens Ukraine in the face of Russian attacks.