Since 2012, the two Antonov 26s of the Viys'kovo-Mors'ki Syly Ukrayiny, Saks'ka Aviatsiya Brigada, Aircraft Eskadrily (or more in good English... Ukraine Naval Aviation, Saky Brigade, Aircraft Squadron) are operational again and in use for multi-engine training, personnel and cargo transport and... bombardments. Strikingly, this 10 yellow is equipped with four external pylons on the side of the fuselage that can handle unguided bombs as well as sea mines.

This Mi-14PL was not modified to PLM like 36 yellow (see my other picture). The 35 yellow was in its original livery and reportedly temporary stored. The Mi-14 was possibly awaiting modification to PLM.

This Ukraine Navy pilot shortly displayed the manoeuvrablility of his Ka-27PL of the Saks'ka Aviatsiya Brigada (SABr), the naval air component of the Ukraine Navy. The Helikopter Eskadrily of the SABr operated four Ka-27s during our visit. The Ka-27s can be based on board the Ukrainian flag ship, the Krivak III-class fregat "Hetman Sahaidachnyi" (U130). The SABr inventory knows two variants of the Ka-27, de PL in use for Anti-Surface/Submarine Warfare (ASW) and the PS in use for the Search and Recue mission and transport.

Mid-2012, three Mi-14s were seen at Saky of which this 35 yellow was recently fitted with a new camouflage pattern and was assessed as in immaculate condition. The helicopter was airworthy and equipped with a working dipping sonar that is used for coastal patrols and Anti-Surface/Submarine Warfae (ASW). The helicopter belongs to the Saks'ka Aviatsiya Brigada (SABr), the Naval Air Component of the Viys'kovo-Mors'ki Syly Ukrayiny (Ukraine Navy). This unit operates two unnumbered Helicopter Eskadrily'.

A preserved Yak-38U, a twin seat Russian Harrier, at Saky airfield, the Crimea.

This Ukraine Navy pilot shortly displayed the manoeuvrablility of his Ka-27PL of the Saks'ka Aviatsiya Brigada (SABr), the naval air component of the Ukraine Navy. The Helikopter Eskadrily of the SABr operated four Ka-27s during our visit. The Ka-27s can be based on board the Ukrainian flag ship, the Krivak III-class fregat "Hetman Sahaidachnyi" (U130). The SABr inventory knows two variants of the Ka-27, de PL in use for Anti-Surface/Submarine Warfare (ASW) and the PS in use for the Search and Recue mission and transport.

Striking attendee on Saki at The Crimea was this really beautiful light blue / blue sprayed An-2. In early 2012, this Antonov became fully operational again after a thorough maintenance. The An-2 is used as a basic trainer, the next step for the student pilot is multi-engine training on the An-26 (see my other pictures of this day). The An-2 is also used for personnel and light transport duties.

No words for this beast!

The Ukraine Navy had in 2012 nine Be-12 on strength at Saky, only a few were airworthy. The aircraft were no longer allowed to land on water, but were only used for patrol missions and submarine hunting. Saky air base, located at the Crimea, was the direct access for the Ukrainians to the Black Sea.