UK extends support to Ukraine with donation of Puma helicopters
The United Kingdom is prepared to deliver several Puma helicopters to Ukraine, which have been retired from service in the Royal Air Force. France is also considering a similar action, which is discontinuing this type of aircraft.
The British Air Force bid farewell to the Puma helicopters on 31 March this year. There was little indication that they would be handed over to Ukraine, although analysts suggested that, for several reasons, it would be a very beneficial move. The situation 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. The portal indicates that these are HC.2 variant helicopters, the most effective Royal Air Force use.
Avions Legendaires reports that Ukrainians have quietly expressed interest in acquiring older generation helicopters for several months, with the Pumas being among their most preferred options.
An old but still useful helicopter
In the HC.2 variant, these helicopters feature improved, more powerful Makila 1A1 engines, more modern digital avionics and cockpit, and larger fuel tanks. Thanks to these modifications, they offer a more excellent range and/or higher payload capacity. The Puma HC.2 can carry up to 16 passengers, 12 fully equipped soldiers, or 2 tonnes of cargo. Its maximum speed is just over 305 km/h, and its basic armament consists of two 7.62 mm machine guns.
Avions Legendaires reminds us that Ukraine is already familiar with Puma helicopters, as last year it received eight of these from Portugal—in the older SA-330 variant. France, moving to H225M Caracal helicopters, is similarly phasing them out. Some SA-330s have already been retired and remain in storage, while the remaining ones (mainly serving in France's overseas territories) will share a similar fate shortly.
Additional Puma helicopters for the Ukrainian army would help alleviate the burden on the older, Soviet-era Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters, which are still in use.
