An Army Black Hawk helicopter’s deviation from established flight paths near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) forced two commercial airliners to execute go-arounds, aborting their landings. This incident, occurring just three months after a deadly mid-air collision involving a Black Hawk and a passenger jet near DCA, prompted outrage from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who deemed the helicopter’s actions “unacceptable.” The FAA and NTSB are investigating, while Duffy plans to address the Defense Department regarding the disregard for safety protocols. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the risks of helicopter operations in the congested airspace around DCA.
Read More
Following Donald Trump’s criticism of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Czech citizens dramatically increased donations to Ukrainian aid organizations, exceeding €2.9 million for “Gift for Putin” alone. This unprecedented surge enabled the crowdfunding of a Black Hawk helicopter for Ukraine, highlighting a national outpouring of support. The increased funding reflects Czech solidarity with Ukraine, amplified by shared historical experiences and opposition to perceived injustice. This grassroots movement complements the Czech government’s continued military and political backing of Ukraine.
Read More
A fundraising campaign to provide a Sikorsky UH-60A+ Black Hawk helicopter to the Ukrainian Armed Forces is nearing completion. The campaign, initially facing setbacks due to criticism, has secured a newer, more affordable helicopter in the US for €2,800,000, following encouragement from Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR). The HUR, already operating Black Hawks for soldier evacuation and special missions, will utilize this aircraft. The helicopter’s capabilities include troop transport, electronic warfare, and air evacuation, significantly aiding Ukrainian operations.
Read More
Taiwan has quietly become a major supplier of air defense systems to Ukraine, donating surplus HAWK surface-to-air missile batteries. This contribution, likely facilitated by the U.S., complements other HAWK donations from the U.S. and Spain, potentially boosting Ukraine’s air defense force by nearly a third. While the HAWK system is older, it remains effective against slower drones, cruise missiles, and manned aircraft, and its compatibility with the NASAMS system enhances its value to Ukraine. This donation signifies a vital contribution to Ukraine’s diversified air defense network, ensuring a more resilient defense against constant Russian attacks.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker