Portugal gifts Ukraine 6 Ka-32 firefighting helicopters
Portuguese flag against the backdrop of a government building (photo: Getty Images)
Portugal has delivered six Ka-32 firefighting helicopters, manufactured in Russia, to Ukraine. The last truck carrying part of this shipment departed on Friday, reports SAPO.
The Portuguese Ministry of National Defense (MDN) noted that the final transportation of the helicopters continued after a prolonged period of uncertainty and negotiations.
SAPO recalls that in October 2022, former Defense Minister Helena Carreiras announced that Portugal would send six Russian firefighting helicopters to Ukraine, which lacked licenses to operate in Portugal. Moreover, one of the helicopters had been damaged in an accident.
By November 2023, over a year after the announcement of the transfer, the helicopters were still in Portugal. The previous government stated that it was waiting for instructions from the Ukrainian partner regarding the next steps required in this process.
"After a prolonged period of uncertainty and negotiations, the current government, through the MDN and in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior, has agreed with Ukrainian authorities, including the Ukrainian embassy in Lisbon and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, on the transportation of the helicopters," the statement released on September 7 reads.
Ukraine agreed to accept the helicopters in their current condition, meaning without prior repairs. SAPO also noted that the helicopters were purchased by the Portuguese government in 2006.
Portugal is actively lobbying for Ukraine's EU membership, urging the bloc to start preparations for Ukraine's possible accession.
