UK sends Apache helicopters armed with deadly Hellfire missiles to Ukraine
The move has been hailed as a 'game-changer' in Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the new support package would also include tanks
19:18, 14 Jan 2023
Britain will send attack helicopters armed with deadly Hellfire missiles to Ukraine in a move hailed as a “game-changer”.
The Apache choppers will bolster the country’s desperate fight against Russian invaders, now entering its 11th month.
The new package of support, to include tanks, was confirmed yesterday by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
A senior defence source told the Sunday People that up to four Apaches will be sent – and they will follow 10 Challenger 2 main battle tanks.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has begged the West to supply tanks and aircraft for months.
The insider said: “The Apache will be a major game-changer. The tanks will arrive first and it will take a while before helicopters can be deployed. Other Nato members will now follow suit.
"Russia has thousands of tanks, so it will take more than four Apaches to have a strategic impact. But tactically, it is a major step.”
We are sending the Apache AH64 E – the most modern version, which can take out multiple targets in seconds.
Each Apache can be armed with up to 16 anti-tank Hellfires, 76 Hydra 70mm rockets and a 30mm chain gun.
This means four Apaches could wipe out an entire regiment of 70 tanks within moments.
Powered by a Rolls Royce engine, they have a top speed of 186mph and can detect more than 250 potential targets at once up to 10 miles away.
Each aircraft costs around £70million and requires two pilots and a team of technicians to keep it airworthy.
The Apaches being sent to Ukraine will be similar to those flown by Prince Harry in Afghanistan.
The Army Air Corps is being re-equipped with the 64 E and should have 50 by next year.
It is understood that Ukrainian pilots will be trained in the UK and a maintenance base will be established in a neighbouring country, such as Poland.
Nyt perkele! Britit sanoi ison sanan. Tuo näyttää viimein sitä oikeaa esimerkkiä. Kaikkein parasta kalustoa liikkeelle. Enemmän tietysti tarvitaan, mutta aivan mahtava päänavaus. Ja Saksan yhä vaikeampi kiemurrella tämän jälkeen, Espanjan vaikeampi jatkaa siestaansa ja jenkkien republikaanien vaikeampi perustella nihkeyttä tukipaketteihin! I fuckin' love this!
