Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has handed certificates for two modernized Mi-8 helicopters over to Ukrainian border guard detachments in Kharkiv and Odesa regions.
The certificates for the helicopters were given to the commanders of Kharkiv and Odesa separate aviation squadrons, the ministry's media liaison office said.
"Today we are handing over two certificates for the modernized Mi-8 helicopters, but this is a transitional option. Very soon, the Ukrainian Border Service will receive new weapons and new Airbus helicopters, which will be used, among others, by the Kharkiv squadron," Avakov said.
The Mi-8 helicopter (medium transport helicopter) is designed to transport passengers, cargo, troops, perform special patrol tasks, search and rescue operations and sanitary tasks. It has modern flight and navigation equipment. It is also equipped with special equipment: searchlight, cargo winch, meteorological, satellite communications and radio navigation systems, as well as in-cabin audio and video recorder and an onboard weapons system.
Also, the State Border Service of Ukraine uses the Diamond patrol aircraft. It is intended for air monitoring of the state border, controlled border areas, the territorial sea and the Ukrainian part of the waters of the Sea of Azov.
The aircraft has modern flight navigation equipment and is equipped with special equipment.
The first Airbus helicopters are expected to arrive in Ukraine in December 2018.
