Portugal Sends Six Ka-32 Firefighting Helicopters to Ukraine

On September 6, Portugal dispatched the final shipment of six Ka-32 firefighting helicopters to Ukraine, according SAPO.

The Ministry of National Defense of Portugal noted that the helicopters' delivery followed “a prolonged period of uncertainty and negotiations.” The transfer was coordinated between the Portuguese government and the Ukrainian authorities, including Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and its embassy in Lisbon.

This shipment comes after an initial announcement in October 2022 by then-Defense Minister Helena Carreiras, who stated that Portugal would send six Russian-made helicopters to Ukraine. The helicopters, originally acquired by Portugal in 2006, were no longer certified for use in Portugal, and one had been damaged in an accident.

Despite delays, which included a waiting period for further instructions from Ukraine in 2023, the current Portuguese government finalized the transportation agreement with Ukraine.

The helicopters were accepted by Ukraine in their current condition, without prior refurbishment. Although primarily designed for firefighting and rescue missions, the Ka-32 helicopters can be employed in both military and civilian capacities.