SARAJEVO, FEBRUARY 26 (ONASA) – Croatia has started the operation of sending 14 transport helicopters to Ukraine – 12 MI 8 MTV-1 helicopters and two MI 8 T helicopters, Jutarnji list announced.
According to available information, several helicopters are currently located in the premises of the Aviation Technical Center in Velika Gorica, where employees are making all the necessary technical preparations.
Among other things, all the existing markings are removed from the helicopter, if necessary, the worn material is changed and the oil is topped up. Due to the lack of space in Velika Gorica, the remaining helicopters are located in the military part of the Pleso airport and in Lučki, reports Index.
Estimates are that the helicopters will be ready for transport in approximately ten days. Seven helicopters will be partially disassembled and transported by land to Poland, and the remaining seven will fly to the same country, from where they will be transferred to Ukraine.
The Croatian government has placed a secret mark on all information on military aid to Ukraine, so it is impossible to get official confirmation of this information. The donation of 14 transport helicopters was confirmed by Prime Minister Plenković in November last year, but without other details.
On the other hand, Croatian President Zoran Milanović was angered by the fact that the government is arranging the donation of helicopters and said that the Ministry of Defense did not explain to him how they would be replaced.
“They decided to give it to Ukraine, let them give it.” They know very well what the needs of the Ukrainian army are, what the needs of the Croatian army are, but they don’t care,” said Milanović. (end)