Portugal sends first Ka-32 helicopters to Ukraine after delay despite Russia's objections
The Ministry of Defense of Portugal has sent the first Ka-32 helicopters promised to Ukraine.
Rubryka reports, citing Sicnoticias.
On Friday, September 6, the disassembled helicopters were loaded onto trucks in Ponte de Sor and dispatched to Ukraine.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of Portugal
It is worth noting that the Portuguese government initially expressed its intention to transfer Ka-32 firefighting helicopters to Ukraine in 2022. However, the process was delayed due to a change in government.
In 2023, negotiations resumed, with both parties working on the next steps and coordinating actions with Ukrainian authorities.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of Portugal
Ukraine is set to receive a total of six Ka-32 helicopters, which can be utilized by military forces for a variety of tasks.
"After a prolonged period of uncertainty and negotiations, the current government, through the Ministry of National Defense (MDN), in coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, reached an agreement with Ukrainian authorities, including the Ukrainian Embassy in Lisbon and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, to arrange the transportation of the helicopters," the Portuguese government said in a statement.
Reference
Photo: Portuguesa media
The Ka-32 helicopter is a versatile aircraft developed in the USSR based on the military Ka-27 model. The Ka-32A11VS is specifically designed for search and rescue operations, firefighting, and medical evacuation. It is also widely used for high-altitude assembly tasks, transporting cargo via external suspension, and logging. Its co-axial rotor system offers significant advantages in stabilization and maneuverability, enabling it to perform complex assembly tasks.
Recently, Russia criticized Portugal's decision to transfer six Ka-32A11VS firefighting helicopters to Ukraine, claiming that such a move violates agreements made during the purchase of the helicopters. Moscow insists that Portugal does not have the right to transfer these helicopters to a third party without Russia's consent, particularly when the intended use is not firefighting.
"Russia did not give its consent for this transfer, especially since Lisbon is not transferring these helicopters for firefighting purposes. We urge our colleagues to reconsider and refrain from actions that could undermine Portugal's credibility as a negotiating partner and damage the history of our mutually beneficial cooperation," stated Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
More than 140 Ka-32 helicopters have been built in Russia, with about half of them operating in other countries. The Ka-32A11VS is certified for use in the European Union, as well as in countries such as Chile, Mexico, South Korea, Canada, and Australia. Various versions of the Ka-32 are successfully in operation in Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Switzerland, Japan, China, Brazil, and Taiwan.
Additionally, Portugal has pledged €220 million in aid to Ukraine for 2023 and 2024. During President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Lisbon, he and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro signed a bilateral agreement on security cooperation.
