Sea King is an older type of helicopter and finding spare parts can be difficult. The Sea King helicopters were in service in Norway from 1973 until 2023, and have now been replaced by SAR Queen helicopters. The Norwegian helicopters have reached their maximum number of flight hours, and cannot be donated.

‘The Black Sea and the maritime domain in general are of strategic importance to Ukraine, and are crucial to the country’s ability to export goods. The Maritime Capability Coalition is targeted towards the Ukrainian Naval Forces as a whole, and encompasses the full breadth of maritime capabilities, including the Ukrainian Coast Guard. I am pleased that spare parts from our discarded Sea Kings can help make a difference for Ukraine, and facilitate the efforts to establish the Ukrainian Coast Guard,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Germany has decided to donate six Sea Kings to Ukraine, while the UK plans to donate three. Norway is donating spare parts in connection with the six aircraft being donated by Germany. 

Bildet viser en gul og hvit helikopterhale
Sea King-helikoptrene var i drift i Forsvaret fra 1973 til 2023 og er nå erstattet av SAR Queen. De norske skrogene har ikke flere godkjente flytimer igjen, og de er derfor ikke hensiktsmessige å donere til Ukraina. Credit: Fabian Helmersen / Forsvaret