20 March 2023

Ukraine conflict: North Macedonia confirms transfer of Su-25s to Ukraine, Mi-24 attack helicopters may follow

by Igor Bozinovski

Four non-airworthy North Macedonia Air Force Su-25 aircraft have been transferred to Ukraine. (Igor Bozinovski)

North Macedonia has donated Sukhoi Su-25 ‘Frogfoot' ground attack aircraft to Ukraine, Minister of Defence of North Macedonia, Slavjanka Petrovska said on 14 March. The announcement confirms Janes reports in July 2022 that four non-airworthy Su-25s (three single-seat Su-25s and one twin-seat Su-25UB) were transferred.

Petrovska said that equipment delivered to Ukraine so far consists of “infantry weapons and ammunition, artillery equipment, MBTs [main battle tanks], Sukhoi aircraft, anti-armour and anti-aircraft weapon systems, and equipment and ammunition for use by the military aviation”.

A new package of military aid intended to support Ukraine was approved at a government session held in Skopje on 14 March, Petrovska said, but she refused to provide details on the type or quantity of equipment. Petrovska did note that the donations made so far were not part of the formation of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia (ARSM).

On 15 March, North Macedonian media outlets quoted government sources as saying that Ukraine has requested attack helicopters, and the possibility of the transfer of 12 Mi-24 ‘Hind' aircraft is being assessed.

The Ministry of Defence has declined to provide further information, except to say that it is “currently analysing the possibility to positively respond to Ukrainian requests for [a] donation [of] helicopters” while at the same time working to select new Western helicopters that are scheduled to replace its ageing Soviet-era Mi-8/17 and Mi-24 helicopters later this decade, which are proving increasingly difficult to maintain.

North Macedonia has donated Sukhoi Su-25 ‘Frogfoot' ground attack aircraft to Ukraine, Minister of D...

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