Pistorius announces Germany's plans to provide Ukraine with military helicopters

This was stated by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius following the 18th meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine (Ramstein), which took place on January 23 in a video format, Ukrinform reports.

On the defense ministry's social network X page, the minister promised to provide Ukraine with six Sea King Mk41 multipurpose helicopters with components and spare parts. In addition, it is planned to train pilots.

"The Sea King is a proven and powerful helicopter that will help Ukrainians in many areas, from reconnaissance over the Black Sea to the transportation of soldiers. This will be the first German delivery of this type," Pistorius said.

At the same time, he did not specify the terms of delivery of the helicopters.

Read also: Ramstein Coalition allocates more than $80 billion to Ukraine - Pentagon

The minister also noted that the No. 1 priority for the Ramstein coalition remains air defense to protect the population and infrastructure of Ukraine.

As reported by Ukrinform, on Tuesday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown held the 18th virtual meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense. More than 50 countries participated in the meeting, which was held in the format of a virtual conference.