UPDATE: The UK Defense Ministry has denied any plans to send Apache attack helicopters to Ukraine as reported by British media, Sky news correspondent Deborah Haynes said on January 15, 2023. According to information published by the British news websites "Mirror, Page removed on January 15, 2023" and the "Daily Star", United Kingdome will provide Ukraine with up to four AH-64 Apache attack helicopters that were built to destroy main battle tanks and armored vehicles using AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles and Hydra 70 rockets.
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British army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from the 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team 1AvnBCT. (Picture source British MoD)
This information was not officially released by the British government in the latest statement published on January 14, 2023, announcing the delivery to Ukraine of 14 British-made Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) and 30 AS90 Braveheart 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers.
With all these new deliveries of military equipment to Ukraine, the United Kingdom is showing a clear position to strengthen its support for Ukraine following the invasion of the country by Russian forces.
UK military aid to Ukraine typically also includes the provision of equipment, training, and other forms of support to the Ukrainian military and security forces. This aid is intended to help Ukraine defend itself against aggression from Russia and to improve its overall military capabilities.
From the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the UK directly provided significant military aid to Ukraine including a large quantity of anti-tank weapons such as the NLAW, and the Stormer StarStreak.
An Apache AH64D helicopter from 3 AAC (Army Air Corps) fires a Hellfire Air to Surface missile over the Arizona Desert in the USA during Exercise Crimson Eagle. (Picture source British MoD
The AH-64 Apache is a twin-turboshaft attack helicopter developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It is designed for a variety of missions, including air-to-ground attack, reconnaissance, and air-to-air combat. The Apache is armed with a variety of weapons, including a 30mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles, and Hydra 70 rockets.
The Apache's primary role is as a tank killer, it is equipped with Hellfire missiles that are designed to engage and destroy armored vehicles. The Apache also has the ability to use its 30mm chain gun against tanks and other armored targets. Additionally, the Apache is equipped with advanced sensors and avionics, including radar, thermal imaging, and a laser designator, which allow it to detect and engage targets at long ranges.
The Hellfire missile is a precision-guided, air-to-ground missile that is commonly used by the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is used by the United States military and several international customers. The missile is designed to engage and destroy a wide variety of targets, including tanks, armored vehicles, buildings, and fortifications.
The Hellfire missile is equipped with a semi-active laser seeker that allows it to home in on a target that has been designated by the Apache's laser designator. This allows the missile to accurately strike targets at long ranges, even in adverse weather conditions. The missile has a range of up to 8 kilometers and is equipped with a high-explosive, anti-tank (HEAT) warhead that can penetrate the armor of most tanks.
The Hellfire missile is used in a variety of roles, including the destruction of enemy armored vehicles, the suppression of enemy air defenses, and the targeting of high-value individuals. It is a highly effective weapon system that has been used in multiple conflicts and has a proven track record of success.
