UK sends Apache helicopters armed with deadly Hellfire missiles to Ukraine

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The move has been hailed as a "game changer" in Ukraine's fight against Russian invasion. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the new support program will also include tanks

The Army's new AH-64E Apache attack helicopter (

Image: PA)

Britain will send attack helicopters armed with deadly Hellfire missiles to Ukraine in a move hailed as a 'game changer'.

Apache helicopters will bolster the country's desperate fight against Russian invaders, now entering its 11th month.

The new support package, which will include tanks, was confirmed yesterday by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

A senior defense source told The Sunday People that up to four Apaches would be sent, and they would follow 10 Challenger 2 main battle tanks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been begging the West for tanks and planes for months.

The insider said: "Apache is going to be a game changer. Tanks will come first and it will be some time before helicopters can be deployed. Other NATO members will now follow suit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (

Picture:

AFP via Getty Images)

"Russia has thousands of tanks, so it will take more than four Apaches to make a strategic impact. But tactically, it's a major step."

We send the Apache AH64 E - the most modern version, which can take out multiple targets in seconds.

Each Apache can be armed with up to 16 anti-tank Hellfires, 76 70mm Hydra rockets and a 30mm chain gun.

That means four Apaches could wipe out an entire regiment of 70 tanks in a matter of moments.