The Slovak Minister of Defense Jaroslav Naď confirms a new military aid to Ukraine with the donation of four Mi-17 and one Mi-2 helicopters as well as ammunition for the BM-21 Grad 122mm MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System).
Citing information from the Slovak Minister of Defense Jaroslav Naď, the Mi-17 and Mi-2 helicopters have already been withdrawn from active service and replaced by American UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Slovakia has already delivered 486 air defense systems, 100 air defense launchers and anti-tank missiles, one S-300 battery, and Ukraine has ordered eight Zuzana 2 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers.
According to the military balance 2021, Slovakia has a total of 15 attack helicopters including 5 Soviet-made Mi-24D Hind-D, 10 Mi-24V Hind E all in store, 13 Mi-17 Hip H (incl 4 SAR), and 9 U.S. UH-60M Black Hawk.
The Mil Mi-2, NATO designation Hoplite, is a small, lightly armed turbine-powered transport helicopter. It can be also used to provide close air support when armed with 57 mm rockets and a 23 mm cannon.
The Mil Mi-17 is a Russian-made military helicopter and an improved version of the Mi-8 helicopter. It is produced at two factories, in Kazan and Ulan-Ude. Developed from the basic Mi-8 airframe, the Mi-17 was fitted with the larger Klimov TV3-117MT engines, rotors, and transmission developed for the Mi-14, along with fuselage improvements for heavier loads. The Mi-17 can be also armed with 7.62mm machine guns, rockets, or anti-tank guided missiles.
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