The Hetman Ivan Mazepa corvette (F211), currently under construction for the Ukrainian Navy, has passed an important test — the evaluation of its ability to operate aircraft. A video showing the landing of a Turkish Navy SH-60 Seahawk helicopter on the corvette's deck was published by the Ukrainian Navy's press service on October 16.
Aviation Capabilities
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The Ada-class corvette is designed to accommodate helicopters such as the SH-60 Seahawk, which can be stationed both on the deck and inside the hangar.
The SH-60 Seahawk is a multipurpose naval helicopter based on the UH-60 Black Hawk. Depending on its variant, it can perform various tasks, including search and rescue operations, anti-submarine missions, and other specialized functions.
Until now, the only deck helicopters with such capabilities in the Ukrainian Navy were Soviet Ka-27 in various versions, but their current condition and suitability for use on corvettes are unclear.
At the moment, Ukraine does not operate SH-60 helicopters, experts noted. The only Black Hawk family helicopters in Ukraine’s forces are UH-60, which are in service with the aviation units of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Since russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has received Sea King helicopters for its naval aviation, which are used for pilot search and rescue, medical evacuations, and other missions. However, it remains unclear whether Sea Kings and other helicopters like the SH-60 Seahawk will be stationed inside the hangars of Ada-class corvettes in the future.
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