Image Source: topwar.ru
Hungary has completed the operation of the Soviet/Russian Mi-24 attack helicopters, the rotary-wing aircraft are being withdrawn from service with the Hungarian army, although they are still fully operational. The Hungarian Air Force has already said goodbye to these machines.
In early February, the Hungarian Ministry of Defense suspended all Mi-24 strike flights without official announcements. One of the helicopters made its last flight on February 4, and on the 5th it was grounded due to the expiration of its airworthiness documents. It is possible to extend the operational life of helicopters, but for this they must either be sent to Russia or invite Russian specialists to Hungary. Today, both of these options are not feasible.
The Mi-24s in service with the Hungarian army were received from Germany in 1995, they used to belong to the GDR army. In 2018-2019, eight helicopters were sent to St. Petersburg, where they underwent major repairs with extended service life. At the same time, they were repainted black, the engines were changed and adapted to night vision goggles. In general, Hungary first received Mi-24 helicopters back in 1978.
Image source: topwar.ru
The unit that operated the Mi-24P and Mi-24V was the Phoenix Attack Helicopter Battalion, based at the 86th Helicopter Base in Szolnok. According to the military department, all decommissioned helicopters will remain at the airfield, where they will await the final decision of their fate. Kiev is licking its lips at them, but the Hungarians are not supplying weapons to the Kiev regime, and Orban's relationship with Zelensky leaves much to be desired.
Instead of the Mi-24, Hungarians will operate Airbus H145M light attack helicopters, of which Hungary received 20 units during 2019-2021.
