Finland gives helicopters to Hungary

photo Craig Hoyle/Flightglobal

HELSINKI, Finland, Aug. 17 (UPI)

Finland is donating two Russian-made Mi-8 helicopters to Hungary for use in crisis management duties.

The donation of the aircraft, which have been decommissioned by the Finnish military, is part of Finland's input to the Multinational Helicopter Initiative. MHI was started in 2008 by France and Britain for helping overcome the shortage of helicopters in international crisis management operations.

Finland's Defense Ministry said the Mi-8 helicopters, spare parts and other materials are being donated to Hungary free of charge. The costs incurred by transporting them, however, will be borne by Hungary, which will also be responsible for maintenance work carried out after the donation.

The Mi-8 helicopters will be used in Hungary for training purposes.

The Finish military and border guards had a total of 10 Mi-8 helicopters in use from 1973-2011.

The transport aircraft fleet flew a total of about 40,600 flight hours.

A Hungarian delegation will retrieve the helicopters from Finland later this month.