After more than half a century of service, the Royal Air Force (RAF) officially retired the Puma medium support helicopter on March 31, marking the end of an era for one of the longest-serving aircraft in British military history. The farewell was marked by a series of commemorative flypasts across the United Kingdom, as well as in Brunei and Cyprus—two locations where the Puma played a critical role in supporting British military operations.
However, as the final Pumas were grounded, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has yet to announce a clear replacement, leaving a gap in the RAF’s medium-lift helicopter capabilities.
At the time of its official withdrawal, the RAF had 23 Pumas on strength, all of which had been upgraded to the HC2 standard. The decision to retire the fleet was announced last November as part of broader defense cuts, with the process of putting aircraft into storage already underway months in advance. By the time of retirement, only 17 Pumas were still operational, with others already decommissioned or placed into long-term storage at RAF Benson, their main operating base in Oxfordshire.
The decision to phase out the Puma comes alongside the planned removal of 14 older Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. These reductions reflect ongoing budget constraints and strategic shifts within the British military, which is increasingly prioritizing modernization and multi-role capabilities.
In recognition of its 54-year legacy, a trio of Pumas—operating under the callsign WARLOCK flight—took to the skies on March 26 for a farewell tour of significant RAF locations.
Among the stops was Northern Ireland, where the Puma played a crucial role during The Troubles, transporting troops, aiding peacekeeping efforts, and providing emergency response capabilities. The aircraft also passed over key military training bases, including Cranwell, Halton, Honington, Shawbury, and the Stanford Training Area (STANTA), all of which were integral to the Puma’s operational history.
Additionally, the flight plan included Boscombe Down and Airbus Kidlington, both of which played a central role in the maintenance and support of the Puma in its final years.
“This flight route honors the Puma’s vast contributions over the years,” said Wing Commander Nick Monahan, commander of No. 33 Squadron and Puma Force leader. “For more than five decades, this aircraft has been a workhorse of global defense operations, and it’s only fitting that we give it the sendoff it deserves.”
Further farewell flights were also conducted in Brunei, where Pumas supported the British Army’s Royal Gurkha Rifles, and in Cyprus, where they formed part of the RAF’s last dedicated search-and-rescue squadron. In addition to military transport and rescue missions, the Cyprus-based Pumas were used for aerial firefighting and humanitarian operations.
The Puma’s story with the RAF began in 1971, when it entered service as a troop and logistics transport helicopter. Originally designed by Aérospatiale of France and built under license by Westland Helicopters in the UK, the aircraft was developed as a versatile, high-speed, and maneuverable medium-lift helicopter for battlefield operations.
Capable of carrying 12 fully equipped troops or up to 4,400 pounds of cargo, the Puma was widely used for troop transport, medical evacuations, and supply missions. It also supported casualty evacuation missions, with space for up to six stretchers in an emergency.
The Puma quickly earned a reputation for speed, agility, and durability, becoming a staple of UK military deployments worldwide. Over the decades, the helicopter played a role in key British military operations, including:
- Northern Ireland (1970s–1990s) – Supporting British troops during The Troubles.
- Belize – Transporting personnel and supplies in jungle operations.
- Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) – Assisting in military operations during the transition to independence.
- Iraq (1991 & 2003) – Providing combat support and logistics.
- Balkans (1990s) – Supporting NATO-led peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Kosovo.
- Afghanistan (2015–2021) – Conducting troop transport, medical evacuations, and urban operations.
The Puma HC2 upgrade program, introduced in the early 2010s, ensured the helicopter remained relevant despite its age.
- More powerful Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines for improved lift and performance.
- Composite tail rotor blades to enhance maneuverability.
- A modern digital cockpit for better situational awareness.
- Increased range to support longer missions.
Following these upgrades, the Puma was extensively used in Afghanistan, where its ability to operate in tight urban environments and at high altitudes made it invaluable for troop movements in Kabul and beyond.
“It’s a great aircraft for the operations we’ve been on,” said Squadron Leader Niall Davidson, second-in-command of No. 33 Squadron. “Be it Northern Ireland, Iraq, or Afghanistan, the Puma has always performed.”
Despite the Puma’s retirement, a direct replacement has yet to be confirmed. The UK government has been considering the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program, an estimated $1.5 billion procurement plan for 23 to 44 new helicopters. However, the program has been plagued by delays and funding uncertainties.
Initially, three aircraft were in contention for the NMH contract:
- Airbus H175M
- Leonardo AW149
- Lockheed Martin S-70M Black Hawk
However, both Airbus and Lockheed Martin withdrew from the competition in 2023, citing concerns that the program’s budget was insufficient to meet the required specifications. With only Leonardo’s AW149 still in the running, many experts question whether the NMH program will proceed in its current form.
Adding to the uncertainty, some reports suggest that budgetary constraints may scale back the planned number of helicopters to around 23–30 units, rather than the originally proposed 44.
Meanwhile, in Belize and Cyprus, the RAF will replace the Puma with six Airbus H145 Jupiter helicopters, a type primarily used for training. While capable, the H145 lacks the lift capacity and range of the Puma, raising concerns about its ability to fully take over its predecessor’s role.
With the RAF’s Puma fleet now retired, the fate of the aircraft remains uncertain.
- Resale on the secondhand market – Given their upgraded HC2 standard, RAF Pumas could attract interest from foreign militaries.
- Donation to Ukraine – The UK has previously provided Ukraine with retired Sea King helicopters, and Portugal has already supplied Kyiv with eight ex-military Pumas. The UK may follow suit.
- Scrapping or museum displays – Some aircraft may be preserved as museum exhibits or scrapped for parts.
Whatever their final fate, there is no denying that the Puma played a critical role in British military history. From the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to the humanitarian efforts in the Caribbean and beyond, the helicopter leaves behind a legacy of reliability, versatility, and endurance.
As the RAF turns the page on the Puma era, all eyes will now be on the UK’s defense leadership to see whether the NMH program will finally deliver a worthy successor—or if the service will be forced to adapt with stopgap solutions.
