On October 19, 2023, Croatia confirmed the transfer of 14Mi-8-MTV-1 helicopters to Ukraine, a move supported by U.S. and Croatian Defense officials. These helicopters, which have served for more than three decades in varied roles, will join the Ukrainian armed forces, accustomed to this type of Russian-made multi-role helicopter.
According to a Pentagon transcript, Croatian Defense Minister Mario Banozic and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the transfer during a meeting. The helicopters were assembled at Zagreb’s Franjo Tudjman Airport and the adjoining Aeronautical Technical Center. All national markings and serial numbers have been removed, in preparation for their transfer to Ukraine.
The Mi-8s of the Divulje-based 395th Transport Helicopter Squadron (ETH) have been gathered together on the military ramp at Zagreb Franjo Tudjman Airport and adjoining Zrakoplovo-Tehnicki Centar (ZTC; Aeronautical Technical Centre) and will very soon be delivered to Ukraine.