Finland donates two Mi-8s to international aid
Feb 24, 2011
The Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat states that Finland is donating its last two Soviet-built Mil Mi-8 transport helicopters to international crisis management activities.
The transition has been discussed with several nations, but the newspaper says that the likely recipient will be Hungary, which is expected to deploy the helicopters in Afghanistan. The Russian helicopter type has proven its capacities in Afghanistan by serving with several operators in the country.
The Finnish donation would be part of the Multinational Helicopter Initiative (MHI), which was set up three years ago by the European Union and NATO. The aim of the initiative is to get more helicopters involved in crisis management operations. Finland will be sending its two Mi-8s in addition to a half a million euros donated to MHI.
The Mi-8 has been in service in Finland since 1973, having logged more than 36 000 flight hours without any serious accidents. The type was used by the Border Guard between 1981-1988 prior to being replaced by Super Pumas. The Finnish Army has now replaced its last two Mi-8s by new NH90s.