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Czech Military Chooses New Helicopters


upnorth

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How the Czech military will replace their Russian built Hip and Hind helicopter fleets is a decision that's been in the works for some time now. Today, a decision was made.

 

A mixed fleet of Bell Venom and Viper helicopters was chosen over Sikorsky Blackhawks and is expected to enter service in 2023.

 

Honestly, I'm not sure how to feel about it. There's lot of understandable pressure from NATO for the former Warsaw Pact members to divest themselves of their remaining Russian made gear. However, when I see how physically big the Hips and Hinds are compared to the Venom and Viper I can't help feel that it's a bit of "trading down" especially when one looks at how much a Hip can haul around.

 

Personally, I would have liked to see Chinooks and Apaches; but they were never on the table.

 

At any rate, here's a few articles on the deal if you're interested:

 

https://www.info.cz/czech-news/czech-military-to-acquire-u-s-attack-utility-helicopters-42691.html

 

https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKCN1VC1BI

 

https://www.defence24.com/armed-forces/air-force/czech-republic-will-acquire-new-helicopters-more-than-it-was-initially-planned

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My understanding was that the Mil Mi-14 was a land based anti submarine helicopter and Poland still operates them in both SAR and ASW roles.

 

It acquired some (4?) SH-2G Super Seasprites in the early naughties to operate off the 2 Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates they acquired from the USA.

 

In April/May this year it was announced that they had signed up for 4 Leonardo EH-101. It seems unclear if they are to replace the SH-2G or the Mi-14 as sources seem to vary about the plans. I would have thought the latter more likely.

 

 

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On 8/23/2019 at 7:16 AM, EwenS said:

My understanding was that the Mil Mi-14 was a land based anti submarine helicopter and Poland still operates them in both SAR and ASW roles.

 

It acquired some (4?) SH-2G Super Seasprites in the early naughties to operate off the 2 Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates they acquired from the USA.

 

In April/May this year it was announced that they had signed up for 4 Leonardo EH-101. It seems unclear if they are to replace the SH-2G or the Mi-14 as sources seem to vary about the plans. I would have thought the latter more likely.

 

 

Options on another 4 merlins also 

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