RAF Retires the Puma Helicopter

The Puma medium support helicopter, a longstanding asset of the U.K. Royal Air Force (RAF), has been officially retired following 54 years of distinguished service. To honor its dedicated service, a series of farewell flights were conducted across the United Kingdom.

By the time of its official withdrawal on March 31, the RAF had 23 Pumas in service, all upgraded to the HC2 standard. However, months before the retirement, RAF Benson in England, the main operating base, had already started storing Pumas. The announcement that the Puma fleet would be retired was made last November, as part of extensive reductions in the UK Armed Forces. At that point, the front-line Puma fleet had been reduced to 17 active aircraft.

Introduced into service in 1971, the Puma rapidly established itself as a critical asset, renowned for its agility, speed, and versatility. Over the years, it has been utilized in numerous operations and humanitarian missions.

In recent years, it has been actively deployed in various operations. From 2009 to 2011, it supported UK exercises in Kenya, and from 2015 to 2021, it was engaged in operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, it assisted in the Caribbean as part of Operation RUMAN following Hurricane Irma in September 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it participated in Operation RESCRIPT in 2020, delivering essential aid to those in need. It is also involved in ongoing operations in Cyprus and Brunei, continuing until March 2025.

“This flight route is via various locations of significance. Each place reflects the rich history and contributions that the Puma has made during its time in service. The aircraft has been a cornerstone of global Defence Operations for more than five decades. We want to celebrate its contribution to supporting our people around the world over the past 54 years,” explained Wing Commander Nick Monahan, Officer Commanding 33 Squadron & Puma Force Commander.

The Farewell Tour included several notable locations for the Puma, including:

• RAF Benson: The home base for the Puma fleet has been central to the operations and training on these helicopters. The farewell flight's initial and concluding stop served as a tribute to the extensive hours of service and training carried out at this location.

• Northern Ireland: The Puma helicopter was instrumental during the Troubles, offering vital support and transportation. The visit to Northern Ireland served as a significant reminder of the helicopter's contributions to peacekeeping operations.

• Kensington Palace: In recognition of Prince Michael of Kent’s esteemed association with RAF Benson and the Puma fleet.

• Cranwell, Halton, Honington, Shawbury and Stanta training area:

  All sites of significance for the Aircrew that have a historical connection with the Helicopter.

• Boscombe Down and Airbus Kidlington: Important locations for the maintenance and operational capabilities of the fleet.

As the helicopter flew over these historic sites, it signified the conclusion of an era and the commencement of a new chapter for the RAF. The retirement of the Puma represents a shift towards more advanced technologies, yet its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of aviators. For those who have piloted and engineered this aircraft for over 50 years, this moment is poignant, offering an opportunity to reflect on their dedication and service.

The farewell flight was not merely a goodbye but a celebration of the Puma's extraordinary journey and the numerous lives it impacted and saved throughout its distinguished career.

“We recognise and celebrate the dedication of everyone who has served on or supported Puma operations over the last five decades”, Wing Commander Alice Tierney, Station Commander, RAF Benson, stated.