Germany has now ceased Sea King operations after nearly 50 years. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
Germany has retired its Westland Sea King Mk 41 helicopters after nearly 50 years of service.
The last example was flown to the Bundeswehr's Militärhistorisches Museum in Gatow, Berlin, on 8 August, bringing an end to a service career that began in 1975.
“We say thank you Sea King for around 50 years in the force. With the end of flight operations at the Luftwaffe, a chapter of helicopter history is over. Goodbye, King!” the Bundeswher said from its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Operated by the German Navy, the Sea King has been replaced in favour of the NHIndustries NH90 Sea Lion. At the time of retirement, Janes World Navies listed the Marineflieger aviation branch of the service as having 21 Sea Kings remaining in its inventory.
News of the retirement came weeks after Germany pledged to send six Sea King helicopters to Ukraine, where they will serve alongside three former UK Royal Navy (and latterly HeliOps) Sea Kings already being flown.
For more information on German Sea Kings, please see Ukraine conflict: Germany pledges Sea King helicopters.
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