Ukraine to Replace Soviet Helicopter Fleet with US UH-60 Black Hawks

Ukraine’s Army Aviation plans to replace its Soviet-era Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopter fleets with American UH-60 Black Hawks, according to Brigadier General Pavlo Bardakov. The shift is driven by a severed supply chain for Russian-made spare parts, making the transition to Western platforms a medium-term necessity for frontline operations.

Why is Ukraine abandoning Soviet-designed helicopters?

The transition is a matter of logistics rather than preference. Ukraine’s current fleet of Mi-8 transport and Mi-24 attack helicopters relies on a components ecosystem centered in Russia. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, this supply chain has been permanently severed, leaving Ukraine unable to source critical airframe parts, engines, and rotor components.

Brigadier General Pavlo Bardakov, commander of Army Aviation under Ukraine’s Ground Forces Command, told LIGA.net that while Ukraine has modernized these aircraft with Western navigation and weapons systems, these are temporary workarounds. “Our entire helicopter fleet is tied to spare parts, assemblies, and components, most of which are manufactured in Russia,” Bardakov said.

Bardakov noted that while the parts shortage won’t reach a critical breaking point within the next year or two, the branch must secure new aircraft on a medium-term horizon to maintain combat readiness.

Why the UH-60 Black Hawk over other Western options?

The UH-60 Black Hawk, manufactured by Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin subsidiary), is the primary target for acquisition because it consolidates multiple roles into one airframe. It handles air assault, general transport, medical evacuation, and command-and-control missions.

Bardakov expressed skepticism regarding other Western attack helicopters that could potentially replace the Mi-24. Without naming specific models, he described some available options as too fragile or expensive to maintain under the specific operating conditions of the war in Ukraine. He argued that many foreign platforms lack the necessary avionics and battlefield durability required for sustained combat in the region.

To address the high cost of new production, Bardakov indicated that Ukraine is open to refurbished or modernized airframes rather than exclusively brand-new aircraft.

How has Ukraine already integrated Black Hawks?

While Army Aviation is only now signaling a broad shift, other branches of the Ukrainian military already operate the platform. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) confirmed the arrival of its first UH-60A in February 2023, which was restored from U.S. Army surplus by Ace Aeronautics.

A second Black Hawk was acquired through a Czech crowdfunding initiative called “Dárek pro Putina” (A Gift for Putin). This campaign raised over $3.2 million from more than 20,600 donors to purchase and transport the aircraft to Ukraine.

The current goal for Army Aviation is to move beyond these isolated donations and establish a standardized fleet for frontline operations.

What is the future of the Black Hawk platform?

Ukraine’s interest coincides with ongoing U.S. efforts to extend the life of the Black Hawk. The U.S. Army expects the UH-60 to remain in frontline service beyond 2050 and continues to request modernization proposals for UH-60M aircraft annually.

Sikorsky has also developed “Armed Black Hawk” configurations. These kits allow a single airframe to be reconfigured for roles ranging from close air support and precision strikes to reconnaissance and medical evacuation. These modifications can be implemented through Lockheed Martin in the U.S. or PZL Mielec in Poland, providing Ukraine with a flexible logistics pipeline in Europe.

Comparison: Soviet Legacy vs. Western Transition

The exact number of aircraft requested and the funding mechanism—whether through direct U.S. government transfers, commercial purchases, or further allied donations—remains undisclosed. Bardakov described the current efforts as “ongoing projects” rather than a signed procurement program.