North Macedonian helicopters quietly bolster Ukrainian forces
In 2023, North Macedonia announced the transfer of 12 Mi-24 helicopters to Ukraine, and for some time, this aid seemed to be forgotten. However, according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, a photo has surfaced online confirming that North Macedonia upheld its promise and the helicopters are now in service in Ukraine.
More than 1.5 years have passed since the announcement of the helicopter transfer before their first public appearance. This delay is understandable, considering the condition of the Mi-24 fleet in North Macedonia at the beginning of 2023. At that point, the army had only two Mi-24Vs in service, four in storage, and the remaining six served merely as "spare parts donors." Thus, North Macedonia transferred all its Mi-24 helicopters to Ukraine.
They gave 12 helicopters to Ukraine
Defense Express notes that evidence of the helicopter delivery from North Macedonia to Ukraine has finally emerged online. A photo features Ukrainian army pilots, with an Mi-24 in camouflage typical of the North Macedonian armed forces visible in the background. Therefore, it is one of the helicopters whose transfer was announced in 2023. In total, there were supposed to be 12, with 10 being Mi-24V variants and two Mi-24K reconnaissance versions.
The Ukrainian army could immediately utilize two operational helicopters from North Macedonia and refurbish several others from available parts, and the rest likely served as sources for spare parts. The Ukrainian army seldom discloses details about its equipment, as illustrated by an example from May 2024, when a rare Mi-24WP with a 23-mm cannon was showcased.
In addition to the Mi-24s, North Macedonia also transferred other significant military equipment to Ukraine. Among these were four Su-25 attack aircraft and 31 T-72 tanks, which had been in storage.
Mi-24 helicopters for Ukraine
Let's recall that the Mi-24 helicopters, with their strong armour and significant firepower, are often referred to as "devil's chariots." The Afghans were the first to use this moniker. The Mi-24 combat helicopter, considered a heavy machine of this category, was produced between 1970 and 1989.
It can reach speeds exceeding 300 km/h and is constructed with a heavily armoured fuselage, offering the crew protection against bullets up to 12.7 mm in calibre. Additionally, parts of the propulsion system are also armoured. The takeoff weight of the Mi-24 helicopter can be up to 11,500 kg.
