IMH 2023: Ukraine conflict driving European interest in MDH MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light attack rotorcraft

MDH used the IQPC International Military Helicopter 2023 conference in London to promote the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light attack helicopter, saying it had received growing interest from Eastern Europe in particular. (MDH via Janes/Gareth Jennings)

The continuing war in Ukraine is driving interest from several undisclosed European countries in acquiring the MD Helicopters LLC (MDH) MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light attack rotorcraft, a company representative told Janes on 21 February.

Speaking at the IQPC International Military Helicopter (IMH) 2023 conference held in London from 21 to 23 February, Steve Reyna, MDH senior director of Business Development Europe and Latin America, said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had prompted some Eastern European countries to request information on the ‘Little Bird'-type helicopter.

“We are very active in a number of regions, and near-term deals are close to being finalised,” Reyna said. “We have also responded to proposals in the European region. While this is where a lot of the activity has been, this is still in the very early stages.”

While Reyna did not name the prospective Eastern European customers, countries that currently operate ageing Warsaw Pact-era airframes – such as Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia – would be obvious candidates. It could also be that Ukraine itself might be a recipient of the MD 530F.