Ukraine crisis drives rotorcraft buys
Concerns about political rumblings to its east and dependence on Russia to maintain its helicopter fleet has reshaped the Czech Air Force’s procurement priorities.
The service currently operates a fleet of some 52 rotary wing aircraft, primarily Mil helicopters, and is in the process of procuring 12 light/medium utility helicopters to supplement and replace aging Mi-24/35 and Mi-8/17s.
Deputy commander of the Czech Air Force, Brig Gen Jaromir Sebesta, said the service had wanted to replace its W-3A utility helicopters but because of limited budgets and the ongoing situation in the Ukraine, the plan had been overhauled.
‘Because
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