Hungary Abandons Russian Mi-17 Helicopters, Opts for Airbus

Russian Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters have been definitively withdrawn from the Hungarian Air Force. Farewell flights took place at Szolnok Air Base.

The republic received its first Mi-17 military transport helicopters in 1987. For almost 40 years of service, the Mi-17 performed tasks of troop transport, landing, and cargo transportation.

Mi-24s entered service in Hungary back in 1978 and for a long time remained the backbone of the army's attack aviation.

Now, the rotorcraft will be completely replaced by European Airbus H145M and H225M helicopters, purchased as part of a large-scale rearmament program. The new helicopters are compatible with NATO standards and are equipped with modern avionics, surveillance, and weaponry.