Germany, replacing Sea Lynx lightweight multirole helicopters with NH90 Sea Tiger medium utility helicopters, might donate the retired helicopters to Ukraine.
Janes reported that the German Navy is considering the donation of Sea Lynx helicopters to Ukraine, which has previously donated the retired Sea King utility helicopters.
Considering the armament of German Navy Sea Lynx helicopters being limited to Sea Skua missiles, unfit for anti-ground use, and machine guns, it is likely that the helicopters will be retrofitted like Sea King helicopters, which are set to receive modern missiles. While the details are not known, the ATGM-sized Brimstone should not be out of the window as a light missile with a capable guidance package and a good deal of range for its size at 40 km. Ukraine has already used the missiles from makeshift launchers mounted inside trucks.
Germany-specific (MK.88A) Sea Lynx is a lightweight multirole helicopter for naval use at a MTOW of 5.3 tons and a pair of Gem 42 turboshaft engines. The helicopter is fitted with dipping sonar, door-mounted machine guns, and hardpoints for Sea Skua short-range anti-ship missiles or lightweight torpedoes.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
