This footage shows Mi-24 “Hind” attack helicopters loaded on flatbed trailers, purportedly in transit from Poland to Ukraine. Several news sources, including the Wall Street Journal, reported that Poland is quietly transferring ten of the Soviet-era aircraft to Ukraine. The Mi-24 is a heavily armed and armored helicopter gunship capable of carrying an infantry squad. The rotors are made of titanium and reportedly capable of withstanding 12.7mm rounds, and the pilot and gunner sit in a titanium tub. The aircraft first gained notoriety during the Soviet war in Afghanistan, where the mujahedeen referred to it as “Satan’s Chariot.” Since then, the platform has been operated by the Russians, former Soviet Republics and Warsaw Pact nations, and anyone with an affinity for Soviet hardware, and has seen action in conflicts across the globe. The Russians had intended to phase out the Mi-24 and replace them with the Mi-28 and Ka-52, but the aircraft’s recent success in Syria convinced the Kremlin to upgrade the platform.

Ukraine’s current rotary wing fleet consists of even older Mi-8 “Hip,” which can be configured either as a transport or as a gun ship, similar to the U.S. “Huey.” The addition of the Mi-24 will provide lethal and responsive fires in support of ground operations and will prove a significant capability, provided that they can evade the prolific number of anti-air systems scanning the skies. Ten is a limited number of airframes, but Poland’s action can potentially encourage similar donations from other countries. Additionally, Ukraine has proved adept and maximizing the effectiveness of limited resources.

On a totally unrelated note, the paint schemes on these trucks are pretty wild. The first truck appears to have Lightning McQueen from the animated film Cars, and I think the second is some sort of ninja. Is this how truckers roll in Poland?

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through sailing.