Defense Intelligence Receives New UH-60 Black Hawk Funded by Czech and Slovak Volunteers

Czech volunteers, with support from citizens of Czechia, Slovakia, and other countries, have delivered a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (DIU).

The volunteer group Dárek pro Putina (“Gift for Putin”) made the announcement, which stated that the helicopter, named Čestmír (“Peaceful”), is already in Ukraine.

The group noted that the Czech Republic became the first country in the world where citizens crowdfunded the purchase of a helicopter for Ukraine.

Slovak citizens also made a major contribution. In total, more than 20,000 people joined the fundraising effort.

The campaign started in November 2023 and was declared complete on March 1, 2025. Over time, however, donations slowed amid criticism that the money should be directed to other needs.

After consultations with the DIU, the volunteers decided to continue the campaign. The breakthrough came when the Ukrainian side found a helicopter outside Europe that was not only newer but also 35 million Czech crowns (€1.4 million) cheaper than the previously identified option.

In total, the campaign raised just over 72 million Czech crowns (€2.87 million), exceeding the required 70 million. Ukraine was responsible for transporting the aircraft and preparing it for service.

The Sikorsky UH-60A+ Black Hawk, purchased in the United States, differs from the basic A version with two T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines, which are about 25% more powerful.

Ukraine’s DIU already operates two UH-60 helicopters.

The first was recorded in February 2023 and had previously belonged to U.S.-based Ace Aeronautics, a company specializing in transport aircraft cabin modernization.

The origin of the second helicopter, first seen in March 2024, remains unclear.

On August 25, two Ukrainian Black Hawks were also spotted flying over Poland on an undisclosed mission.