The MD-530 family of helicopters has emerged as an affordable and widespread platform for deployment in army aviation and air forces units. Thanks to its cost-effectiveness and simplicity, it has afforded the Afghan Air Force new capabilities. Following the fall of the Republic of Afghanistan, the United States evacuated several of these helicopters, presenting Ukraine with a potential opportunity to submit a request for their purchase.

A new breath for Afghan Air Force

Until 2010, the military air component of the Afghan Armed Forces primarily comprised Soviet-type aircraft acquired between the 1970s and 1990s.

Starting in 2010, with support from the United States, contracts were signed for the production and supply of new aircraft to the Afghan Air Force. Among these was the MD-530F helicopter.

MD Helicopters received its first contract in 2011, involving the transfer of six MD-530 helicopters to the country’s air force.

In October 2014, MD Helicopters was awarded a $44.2 million fixed-price contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command to integrate Combat Equipment Packages into 17 MD-530F helicopters intended for transfer to Afghanistan by the United States.

The upgraded helicopters were equipped with a suspended machine gun container featuring an M3 Browning machine gun, M260 pods carrying unguided Hydra 70mm rockets, an additional Kinetic Defense armor kit, and a new M3AR radio. By 2016, the Afghan Air Force operated a fleet of 16 helicopters of this upgraded type.

From 2012 to 2021, a total of 68 MD-530F helicopters were transferred to the Afghan Air Force.

Many of these helicopters were actively employed in the fight against the Taliban, showcasing excellent reliability. Some of them logged approximately 9,000 flight hours, demonstrating exceptional capabilities in active operations. Initially, Afghanistan was expected to receive around 150 helicopters of this type, but the widespread Taliban offensive across the country thwarted the realization of these plans.

Hijacking of aircraft during Taliban offensive

The Taliban offensive, initiated on May 1, 2021, and subsequent seizure of power in the country, enabled the terrorist group to acquire the latest Western aircraft. MD-530F helicopters, the most abundant aircraft type used for versatile tasks before the seizure of power, became part of the Taliban’s acquisitions.

As the new government in the country is not recognized by the United States, support for the aircraft fleet is sustained through the independent production of certain spare parts.

Technical personnel and some pilots of these helicopters chose not to leave the country and are currently engaged in training Taliban members to fly and maintain the MD-530F.

Those pilots who opted to leave the country flew to neighboring Tajikistan and Uzbekistan using the operational aircraft. According to an anonymous pilot and commander of the MD-530 helicopter squadron, it was revealed that most of the helicopters were inoperable, preventing them from taking flight. Consequently, to escape the country, pilots utilized any available aircraft capable of flying.

In December 2021, the U.S. Air Force Command reported that the United States successfully evacuated 17 MD-530F helicopters. Currently, these helicopters are stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona, USA.

MD-530F helicopter specifications and possible modernization

The MD-530F variant was specifically developed for deployment in the hot climates of Africa and the Middle East. In these regions, the capabilities of conventional helicopters are often limited due to the challenges posed by high temperatures, heightened alertness requirements, and the impact of high altitudes, where helicopters can experience significant power loss and reduced flying capabilities.

The entire MD-530 line utilizes the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650 h.p. engine, ensuring a maximum speed of 260 km/h and a range of 430 km.

The MD-530 helicopters, including the F variant, possess significant potential for modernization, enabling the integration of precision weapons.

In addition to the standard capability of installing suspended machine gun containers, the helicopter can be upgraded to utilize unguided Hydra rockets, as well as guided weapons such as Hellfire and APWKS laser-guided rockets.

This modernization potential allows for cost-effective preparations, enabling the helicopter to perform reconnaissance, conduct strikes against both light and heavy armored vehicles, and provide direct fire support for infantry missions

Does Ukraine need MD-530 helicopters?

The MD 500-series helicopters are currently employed in diverse roles, showcasing exceptional capabilities in reconnaissance, striking heavy armored vehicles, and serving as transport in special operations over an extended period.

The introduction of helicopters of this type not only diminishes the overall capabilities of the army aviation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine but also has the potential to enhance reconnaissance capabilities through the use of modern optical equipment. Furthermore, it can strengthen anti-tank warfare capabilities by incorporating Hellfire missiles.

The cost of a helicopter can range from $2 to $4 million, depending on factors such as the installed optical sensors, the presence of a fire control system, and a laser targeting system. The affordability of these helicopters can result in a numerical superiority over other Soviet vehicles, like the Mi-2, enhancing their potential in air reconnaissance.

In the event of a potential purchase, the United States could transfer already-used MD-530F helicopters, former aircraft of Afghanistan, which have a relatively low number of flight hours. Additionally, alongside used units, it’s possible to order new helicopters, currently produced for both civilian and military markets.