Ukraine’s Sea King helicopters to be armed with modern missiles

31 October, 2024 Marte ER anti-ship missile. Photo credits: MDBA Ukrainian Sea King helicopters will receive new weapons from the UK and Germany.

The UK government's website announces that the relevant news is about "modern missile systems." The joint communique states that special teams and defense industries of the countries will closely cooperate to ensure that Ukraine succeeds and achieves long-term peace. "In the short term, we will fully provide Ukraine with new defense capabilities, equipping the Sea King helicopters provided by Germany with modern missile systems," the statement announces.

In January, Germany announced that it would provide Ukraine with six Sea King Mk41 multipurpose helicopters and provide training for the Ukrainian military.

German Sea King Mk41 multirole helicopters, March 20, 2024. Photo credits: German Navy

The helicopters could potentially be armed with the latest Brimstone 2 missiles. The Brimstone 2 surface-to-surface or air-to-surface missile was developed by the international consortium MBDA for the British Royal Air Force.

Their range exceeds 40 kilometers and the weight of the warhead is 6.3 kg. In Ukraine, Brimstone missiles are launched from ground-based launchers mounted on light-duty trucks.

A Brimstone 2 missile mounted under the wing of a Typhoon fighter jet. Photo credits: MBDA UK

Sea King can also be equipped with long-range Marte ER anti-ship missiles.

The Marte ER has been deeply modernized compared to the previous generation.

Italian NH90 with Marte ER anti-ship missile.

Photo credits: Ian Frain.

It has replaced the solid-fuel rocket engine with a turbojet engine, which has increased the range from 25 to more than 100 kilometers.