The Republic of North Macedonia is sending 4 Su-25s to Ukraine, even though they cannot fly. For what purpose? – Technology Org
North Macedonia will transfer four Sukhoi Su-25 attack airplanes to Ukraine. They probably won’t take part in combat actions as they are not suitable for that, but it is a very valuable donation. Also, North Macedonia is preparing more gifts for the defenders of Ukraine.
Macedonian Air Force Sukhoi Su-25K. Ukraine will get 4. Image credit: Chris Lofting via Wikimedia (GFDL 1.2)
The government of North Macedonia has announced a new package of military support for the Ukrainian armed forces. Defense Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia Slavjanka Petrovska announced on March 14th that as a part of that package they will transfer four Sukhoi Su-25 attack airplanes to Ukraine.
Those planes are not airworthy and will likely be dismantled for spare parts, but that is still a highly appreciated aid. Ukraine itself uses a lot of Su-25 airplanes and they need constant maintenance and repairs. Those Su-25s from North Macedonia will become parts donors and will help keep the Ukrainian fleet of the Su-25s flying and fighting.
Minister Petrovska said that the Ukrainians have already received three single-seat Su-25s and one two-seat Su-25UB from North Macedonia.
But North Macedonia transferred not only four Su-25s to Ukraine – it was reported that “infantry weapons and ammunition, artillery equipment, main battle tanks, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapon systems, as well as equipment and ammunition for military aviation” also went to Ukraine from this landlocked southeastern European country.
The government of North Macedonia is also considering sending Mil Mi-24 attack helicopters to Ukraine. It’s been reported that Ukraine has asked for 12 of these large gunships/attack helicopters and they may actually be transferred. Attack helicopters are great because they are highly maneuverable and can provide accurate close air support. The Mi-24 is especially effective, because it is very big and can use a huge number of weapons.
North Macedonia’s Mil Mi-24V – this helicopter was once acquired from Ukraine and may return there. Image credit: Filip.vidinovski via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Interestingly, the Mi-24s that North Macedonia has actually come from Ukraine a little bit more than two decades ago. The Macedonian military bought used Ukrainian Mi-24Vs to fight Albanian insurgents during the 2001 insurgency in Macedonia (which is now North Macedonia).
The Mil Mi-24 has been in service since 1972 and is actually quite common (2648 were produced). Because it was developed from a very popular Mi-8, there are a lot of parts for them and Ukrainian pilots are extremely familiar with this platform.
Ukraine needs weapons and they are looking everywhere for them. Even though North Macedonia is providing Su-25s that are not air-worthy, they will be of great use in Ukraine’s path to victory. And the Mi-24 would be a great reinforcement as well as Ukraine is preparing for a counteroffensive to liberate its occupied territories.
Sources: Focus.ua , Wikipedia