Sea King in Ukrainian colours!

On its delivery flight to Ukraine, Westland Sea King HU5 with serial UR-H034 was seen at Antwerp Airport (Belgium) on 13 May 2023.

The helicopter, former Royal Navy ZA134 (c/n WA895), is the final example of a trio that was donated by the British to the Viys’ kovo-povitryany sily (VPS or Ukrainian Air Force). UR-H034, however was the first one to carry full Ukrainian markings.

On 12 November 2022 Sea King XZ920, followed by its fellow ZA166 on 21 December 2022 also passed through Belgium. After crossing at Koksijde they then headed to Kassel in Germany to finally end up in Poland. These two were painted in grey, carrying only their British serial (as far as we know).

All three Sea Kings were formerly used by HeliOps at Yeovil (UK) for crew training. Being former Royal Navy Search and Rescue helicopters the trio will a true support for Ukrainian SAR operations.

Photo: Walter van Brempt