Among the latest aircraft to join the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense inventory following the full-scale Russian invasion is a Bell 427 helicopter, and one that appears to have a very unique history, having been the personal mount of Viktor Medvedchuk oligarch, pro-Russian politician, and close friend of Vladimir Putin. While the Bell 427 a twin-engine rotorcraft with the capacity to transport up to six passengers is not the most warlike addition to Ukraines fleet, its nonetheless a relatively modern type and one that could still be a very useful asset.
Photos that were recently posted to social media show the Bell 427, in an overall dark blue paint scheme, with a prominent maroon and yellow cheatline, and the oversized Ukrainian national roundel and flag emblazoned on the fuselage. The location and the date of these photos cannot presently be confirmed, although multiple accounts state that the operator is the Ukrainian Ministry of Defenses Main Directorate of Intelligence better known by its Ukrainian abbreviation GUR.
It seems this Bell 427 is the same aircraft that was among the assets belonging to Viktor Medvedchuk that were transferred to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense last year. In a Telegram post in July 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine stated that a helicopter and airplane belonging to Medvedchuks family had been seized and turned over to the Defense Ministry. Although the statement didnt mention the particular types, accompanying photos showed a Bell 427 and a Gulfstream G650 bizjet. The Bell 427 has the Aruban civil registration P4-IKH and apparently wears a standard Bell factory color scheme.
A video showing Bell 427 P4-IKH, which previously belonged to Viktor Medvedchuk:
The statement said that the two aircraft were seized as part of criminal proceedings related to the alleged abuse of power or position, as well as misappropriation, embezzlement, or seizure of property through abuse of office, under the criminal code of Ukraine.
At the time, it was reported that the helicopter was valued at approximately $3 million, while the Gulfstream was valued at over $65 million.
As for Medvedchuk, he was arrested by Ukrainian authorities in April 2022, having escaped house arrest only four days after Russia began its full-scale invasion. In September 2022, Medvedchuk (together with 55 Russian prisoners of war) was exchanged for 215 Ukrainian POWs from the siege of Mariupol.
The Ukrainian authorities interest in Medvedchuk was hardly a surprise. The close ally of Putin was dubbed Russias main guy in Ukraine, having headed up a pro-Russian political party for many years. Medvedchuk also had a close personal connection with Putin, holidaying with the Russian leader, who was chosen as the godparent to Medvedchuks daughter, Daria. As well as his political activities, Medvedchuk was a prominent oligarch, with a business empire that spanned oil and media, and funded assets such as his aircraft fleet.
The whereabouts of the Gulfstream G650 bizjet are not currently known, but it seems that the Bell 427 is already being used by the GUR or is otherwise preparing to join it.
The Bell 427 is only in very limited military service, with one example serving the air force of Paraguay as a VIP transport. However, it saw more uptake as a platform for police work, with operators in this capacity being found in Argentina and Nigeria, for example. Other Bell 427s are also used for search and rescue work.
The photos originally published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs show Medvedchuks Bell 427 apparently immediately after its seizure, with a civilian-style interior including comfortable seating. Its not clear what if any, modifications have been made to the helicopter since. While the GRU might be using it as a VIP transport, its very possible that it has been adapted to undertake more specialized roles.
Should the GRU be using the Bell 427 to transport fully equipped personnel, for example, then the seating configuration will almost certainly have been adapted. Another option is that the seating has been replaced with a medical evacuation interior. Typically, the medevac Bell 427 is equipped to transport two stretcher patients and two medical attendants.
The Bell 427 is not the first Western helicopter design to have joined the fleet of the GRU since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.
In the past, The War Zone has reported on the U.S.-made UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter that the GRU is now using, including working with special forces units. The Main Directorate of Intelligence has also stated that the Black Hawk offers certain important advantages over the Soviet-designed Mi-8 Hip and Mi-24 Hind series helicopters, which it otherwise operates.
While the Bell 427 is in an entirely different class to any of these types, its conceivable that it could also have a role to play in medical evacuation, as well as the insertion and extraction of small teams of troops or special forces. Depending on how this particular Bell 427 is equipped in terms of avionics, it could also be better able to conduct night flights than other assets.
The Bell 427 is also notably small and relatively discreet, with a correspondingly smaller footprint and noise signature than the larger GRU rotorcraft. It also offers comparatively high speed, big power reserves for its size, and a very good level of maneuverability, at least compared with the much larger Mi-8. This, too, may make the Bell design better suited to certain covert operations, with the proviso that only a much smaller number of troops can be embarked.
The Ukrainian Bell 427 has no winch. Although troops could potentially still rappel down from the hovering helicopter, its by no means suitable for operating on any kind of contested battlefield, with no provision for self-protection features in its basic form. The GRUs UH-60, at least in its initial configuration, also doesnt seem to feature missile approach warning systems and countermeasures dispensers or other self-protection equipment, although this doesnt seem to have prevented it from undertaking more hazardous missions.
It is interesting, too, that Bell is also increasingly looking at options for doing exactly as Ukraine has done, and adapting civilian helicopters for armed conflict. Bell could potentially step in and offer a suitable modification package for Ukraine or offer mission kits. At the same time, Bell and others are seeing a broader opening for exporting civilian helicopters adapted for military uses as a result of the Ukraine war and subsequent Russian sanctions that have effectively removed spare parts and support for Russian types.
For now, we simply dont know what kind of missions the GRUs new helicopter is flying or will fly in the future and to what degree it has been adapted for military work. There is a question, too, about how the GRU trained personnel to fly and maintain the helicopter, although its worth noting that the UH-60 was apparently mastered remarkably quickly, being first flown by Ukrainian pilots on the day it was received.
Without a doubt, the Bell 427 is an interesting addition to an increasingly varied fleet. We have approached the GRU with a request for more information on this aircraft and we look forward to gaining more details about how it is being used.
See the original post:
Oligarch's Bell 427 Is The Ukrainian Military's Latest Helicopter - The War Zone
- Now It's Germany's Turn to Frustrate Allies Over Ukraine - The New York Times - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Nato is growing reckless over Ukraine and Russias German military leak proves it - The Guardian - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Putin the only winner as Poland's Tusk flounders over Ukraine border fight - POLITICO Europe - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Ukraines Zelensky struggles to draft more troops as Russia advances - The Washington Post - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Ukraine Slams the Door on Bringing Russian Gas to Europe - Bloomberg - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Ukraine first lady declines State of the Union invitation - The Hill - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Ukraine war: Germany under pressure to explain intercepted phone call - BBC.com - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Poland sees its most violent protest yet by farmers and supporters against Ukraine imports, EU rules - The Associated Press - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Ukraine hits behind frontlines as Odesa blasts rock Greek PM visit - Yahoo! Voices - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Even Without Speaker Johnson, Democrats Could Act to Save Ukraine Today - Kyiv Post - March 6th, 2024 [March 6th, 2024]
- Key highlights of proposed bipartisan Senate package for border security and Ukraine - The Associated Press - February 5th, 2024 [February 5th, 2024]
- Senate releases border package with aid to Ukraine, Israel; House says DOA - Turn to 10 - February 5th, 2024 [February 5th, 2024]
- What's in the bipartisan Senate package to aid Ukraine, secure U.S. border - Yahoo News - February 5th, 2024 [February 5th, 2024]
- Putin casts the Ukraine conflict as a fight for Russia's survival as he seeks reelection - The Associated Press - February 5th, 2024 [February 5th, 2024]
- US must not interfere Biden's advisor on possible dismissal of Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief - Yahoo News - February 5th, 2024 [February 5th, 2024]
- Dozens detained as Russian soldiers' wives call for their return from Ukraine - Yahoo News - February 5th, 2024 [February 5th, 2024]
- Senators race to release their package of border policies and aid for Ukraine and Israel - CNBC - February 5th, 2024 [February 5th, 2024]
- Ukraine war live updates: World Court rules in favor of Kyiv on genocide case; Zelenskyy says EU aid sends clear signal to both Moscow and the U.S. -... - February 5th, 2024 [February 5th, 2024]
- Ukraine made surprisingly realistic decoys of weapons to fake out Russia - Business Insider - February 5th, 2024 [February 5th, 2024]
- Russia forced to use ancient tanks as materiel fails en masse in Ukraine, veteran says - Yahoo News - February 5th, 2024 [February 5th, 2024]
- Russia Is Denied a Seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council - The New York Times - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- Opinion | We Need to Reframe the Debate Over Ukraine - POLITICO - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- U.S. Envoy to NATO Says Aid to Israel Won't Come at Ukraine's Expense - The New York Times - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- Army to Congress: Do your job so we can help Israel and Ukraine - POLITICO - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- DFC Commits $250 Million to Strengthen Food Security in Ukraine - DFC - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- What Ukraines operation against Russian-annexed Crimea means ... - openDemocracy - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- Russia recruits Serbs and Cubans for war in Ukraine - Ukrainian World Congress - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- Pressure Grows on Germany to Give Ukraine Long-Range Missiles - The New York Times - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- The bruising artillery battle in Ukraine has left a scar that is visible ... - NPR - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- Military briefing: the advance of Ukraine's 'mosquito navy' - Financial Times - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- The fate of Ukraine funding lies in the balance with speaker's race - NPR - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- INTERVIEW: Planning the post-invasion return of citizens to Ukraine - UN News - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- Ukraine and Impacted Countries Crisis - Emergency Appeal n ... - ReliefWeb - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- Digital Collaboration between UK and Ukraine | BCS - BCS - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- Called Up: Sergii Kryvtsov Called Up by Ukraine National Team - Inter Miami CF - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- Are Ukraine's Airstrikes Inside Russia Strategically Effective in the ... - Foreign Policy - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- Today's D Brief: Hamas-Israel war; US reaction; Rain arrives in ... - Defense One - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- 5 policy issues the leaderless House faces, from Ukraine to NDAA to ... - NPR - October 10th, 2023 [October 10th, 2023]
- The Miles of Obstacles Slowing Ukraines Counteroffensive - The New York Times - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Russia-Ukraine War: Putin, Projecting Control, Tries to Contain Fallout From Mutiny - The New York Times - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- With Wagner's Future in Doubt, Ukraine Could Capitalize on Chaos - The New York Times - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Biden refers to Ukraine as Iraq when asked about Putin - The Hill - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Kremlin Says Only Hits 'Military' Targets After Ukraine Restaurant Strike - The Moscow Times - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Dark, damp and deathly: inside a hospital on Ukraine's front line - The Economist - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Russia mutiny revives stagnant talk of increasing Ukraine aid in Congress - POLITICO - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Opinion | Putin, Prigozhin and the Danger of Disorder - The New York Times - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Switzerland Blocks Sale of Leopard 1 Tanks Bound for Ukraine - Yahoo News - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Ukraine Situation Report: U.S. Replenishes Kyiv's Bradley Fighting Vehicle Force - The War Zone - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Prigozhin surrendered too quickly, occupiers in Ukraine did not have time to lose heart Ukraine's Foreign Minister - Yahoo News - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Netanyahu considering visit to Ukraine, Kyiv's envoy to Israel says - The Jerusalem Post - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- On this part of the eastern front, Russia is still on the attack - The Washington Post - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Cheap Russian drone a menace to Ukrainian troops and equipment - The Jerusalem Post - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Kremlin 'Welcomes' Vatican Peace Efforts Over Ukraine - The Moscow Times - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Why Ukraines Counteroffensive Is Off to a Slow, Bloody Start - The New York Times - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- Russia-Ukraine war latest: Kremlin reportedly threatened Wagner families as soldiers marched to Moscow - Yahoo News - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- New Books on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine - The New York Times - June 28th, 2023 [June 28th, 2023]
- An illustrated explanation of Russia's deportation of Ukrainians, from the war zone to a remote camp - USA TODAY - May 31st, 2023 [May 31st, 2023]
- Taiwan Ambassador Says Ukraine's Success Against Russia Will Help Deter China - The New York Times - May 31st, 2023 [May 31st, 2023]
- Russia reports hits on oil refineries and town near Ukraine - Yahoo! Voices - May 31st, 2023 [May 31st, 2023]
- How Ukraine Followed the ISIS Playbook - Newsweek - May 31st, 2023 [May 31st, 2023]
- Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv To Hold First Person Video Drone 'Super Bowl' - The War Zone - May 31st, 2023 [May 31st, 2023]
- U.S. Adds Aid to Ukraine to Deliver Ammunition for Drones and Artillery - The New York Times - May 31st, 2023 [May 31st, 2023]
- Russian Guards Beat and Tortured Kherson Prisoners, Leading to Deaths - The New York Times - May 31st, 2023 [May 31st, 2023]
- Equipment for Ukraine drawn from Kuwait wasnt combat-ready, IG says - Yahoo News - May 31st, 2023 [May 31st, 2023]
- UN considers comparing drone attack on Moscow with constant shelling of Ukraine inappropriate - Yahoo News - May 31st, 2023 [May 31st, 2023]
- Opinion | 'America First' reasons why the U.S. should support Ukraine - The Washington Post - May 31st, 2023 [May 31st, 2023]
- Ukraine plays down talk of Bakhmut gains being start of counteroffensive - Reuters - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- EU tells ministers they must recalibrate China policy over support for Russia - The Guardian - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- United in Music: Over 500 young musicians perform Ukraines winning Eurovision entry - Classic FM - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- Ukraine has choice of targets as it plots counteroffensive - The Guardian - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- Russia denies reports of Ukrainian breakthroughs along front lines - Reuters - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- Ukraine war: Inside the fight for the last streets of Bakhmut - BBC - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy: This may not be the last chapter of the Russian empire, but its an important one - The Guardian - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- Russian woman convicted of desecrating grave of Putins parents - Al Jazeera English - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- Putin runs out of "adequate responses", worst for Russia about to begin Ukraine's National Security and Defence ... - Yahoo News - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 443 of the invasion - The Guardian - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- Ukraine war: WFP chief Cindy McCain says grain deal with Russia needed to feed world - BBC - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- A Ukrainian counterattack has the Wagner boss sounding alarms on a counteroffensive in 'full swing,' claiming Zelenskyy played everyone - Yahoo News - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- Russia says it repelled surge of Ukrainian attacks in the east - Reuters - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]
- I must work. I cant cry: capturing Russias attacks on Ukrainian civilians - The Guardian - May 12th, 2023 [May 12th, 2023]