UK sends retired Puma helicopters to bolster Ukraine's fleet
The United Kingdom is prepared to supply several Puma helicopters to Ukraine, following their retirement from service in the Royal Air Force. France is also considering a similar move, as it phases out this type of aircraft.
The British Air Force retired the Puma helicopters on March 31 of this year. Initially, there were few signs that these helicopters would be transferred to Ukraine, although analysts had suggested that doing so would be beneficial for several reasons. The situation, however, seems to have changed rapidly.
The United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with Puma HC.2 helicopters
According to the Avions Legendaires portal, the United Kingdom will send 8 to 10 Puma helicopters to Ukraine. These helicopters are identified as the HC.2 variant, which was the most advanced version used in the Royal Air Force.
An old but still useful helicopter
In the HC.2 variant, these helicopters feature more powerful Makila 1A1 engines, modern digital avionics and cockpit systems, and larger fuel tanks. Thanks to these modifications, they offer greater range and/or payload capacity. The Puma HC.2 can carry up to 16 passengers, 12 fully equipped soldiers, or around 2 tons (about 4,400 pounds) of cargo. Its maximum speed is just over 190 mph, and its basic armament includes two 7.62 mm machine guns.
Avions Legendaires points out that Ukraine already has experience with Puma helicopters, as it received eight of these from Portugal last year—in the older SA-330 variant. France, transitioning to H225M Caracal helicopters, is similarly phasing out the Pumas. Some SA-330s have been retired and are in storage, with the remaining helicopters—mostly serving in France's overseas territories—expected to follow a similar pattern soon.
Additional Puma helicopters for the Ukrainian army would help reduce the burden on the older Soviet-era Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters, which are still in operation.
