Czech Republic gives Mi-24 attack helicopters to Ukraine

The Czech Republic donated attack helicopters as part of its military support to Ukraine, according to the US Department of Defense. 
 
The transfer was revealed in a press briefing by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. “I’d also like to thank the Czech Republic for its substantial support, including a recent donation of attack helicopters,” Austin told reporters on May 23, 2022. 

While the exact type or number of helicopters was not revealed, they were likely to be Soviet-designed Mil Mi-24 Hind gunships.  

The model, still operated by the Ukrainian Air Force, is to be phased out of the Czech Air Force, which expects delivery of four Bell AH-1Z attack helicopters and eight UH-1Y utility helicopters to replace them. As of 2022, the Czech Air Force still operated 15 Mi-24V/35.  

Among various equipment supplied since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the US Department of Defense has already delivered 11 Mi-17 transport helicopters to Ukraine.