North Macedonian Mi‑24 helicopters confirmed in Ukraine
In 2023, North Macedonia announced the transfer of 12 Mi-24 helicopters to Ukraine, and this aid was subsequently forgotten for a considerable period. However, as reported by the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, a photograph has now surfaced online confirming that North Macedonia fulfilled its commitment, and the helicopters are already operational in Ukraine.
More than 18 months have passed since the announcement of the helicopter transfer to their first public appearance. This delay is understandable, given the condition of the Mi-24 fleet in North Macedonia at the start of 2023. At that time, the army had only two Mi-24Vs in active service, four in storage, and the remaining six were only used as "spare parts donors." Consequently, North Macedonia transferred all the Mi-24s in its military arsenal to Ukraine.
North Macedonia provided 12 helicopters to Ukraine
Defense Express highlights that evidence has finally appeared online of the delivery of helicopters from North Macedonia to Ukraine. The photo features Ukrainian army pilots, with an Mi-24 in the background, sporting the camouflage typical of the North Macedonian armed forces. Therefore, it is one of the helicopters whose transfer was announced in 2023. In total, there were intended to be 12, of which 10 are Mi-24V variants, and two are Mi-24K reconnaissance versions.
The Ukrainian army could immediately utilise two operational helicopters from North Macedonia, several of them could have been refurbished from available parts, and the rest most likely served as a source of spare parts. The Ukrainian army rarely discloses details about its equipment, as illustrated by an event from May 2024, when a rare Mi-24WP with a 23 mm cannon was displayed.
In addition to the Mi-24s, North Macedonia also handed over other significant military equipment to Ukraine. Amongst these were four Su-25 attack aircraft and 31 T-72 tanks, which were also in storage.
Mi-24 helicopters for Ukraine
Let us reflect on the fact that the Mi-24 helicopters, due to their robust armour and significant firepower, are often referred to as "devil's chariots." They were first termed this by Afghans. The Mi-24 combat helicopter, considered a heavy machine of this type, was produced between 1970 and 1989.
It reaches speeds exceeding 300 km/h and is constructed with a heavily armoured fuselage, protecting the crew from fire from bullets up to 12.7 mm in calibre. Additionally, elements of the propulsion system are also armoured. The takeoff weight of the Mi-24 helicopter can be up to 11,500 kg.
