First crewed aircraft sent by UK arrives in Ukraine

UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace announced the transfer of a Westland Sea King transport helicopter to Ukraine while on a visit to Oslo, Norway, on 23 November.

The first helicopter has already arrived in Ukraine and two more are due to be provided by the UK, according to the BBC.

This is the first crewed aircraft sent by the UK to assist Ukraine after the Russian invasion of the country began in February 2022.

Ukrainian crews began training on Sea King helicopters three weeks ago and will use this aircraft for search and rescue (SAR) operations.

Help from the UK has already been in place, with the UK Fire and Rescue Service responding to the war in Ukraine, as discussed at the Emergency Services Show.