March 26, 2025, marked the official end of Airbus Puma helicopters operating for the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF), bringing the curtain down on over five decades of active flying for the UK armed forces. To mark the event, a formation of three RAF Pumas toured the whole of the United Kingdom, taking in several important locations of relevance during the Puma’s illustrious career with the RAF.
As the Puma helicopter has been one of the longest-serving workhorses in the history of UK military aviation, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided that it was only right to conduct a farewell tour of the helicopter as its long career comes to an end. In November 2024, the MoD announced that it would be decommissioning several British helicopters, drones, and vessels, as part of cost-saving measures. As part of the defense cost-cutting, older types such as the Puma and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters were to be withdrawn from service.
Introduced into UK military service in 1971, the Puma quickly became a key asset, known for its agility, speed, and versatility. Over the years, it has been deployed in various operations and humanitarian missions for the UK MoD, along with seeing action in numerous theaters of war in that time.
In recent history, the Puma saw service in Kenya from 2009 to 2011 where it supported UK exercises, and in Afghanistan from 2015 to 2021 in the war against the Taliban. Elsewhere, the Puma provided support in the Caribbean as a part of Operation RUMAN after Hurricane Irma struck the region in September 2017. During COVID it took part in Operation RESCRIPT in 2020, providing vital aid to those in most need. Finally, most recently until March 2025, the Puma has been involved in enduring operations in support of British troops in Cyprus and Brunei.
Setting off from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, the three-ship formation of Pumas was planned to fly for over eleven hours and cover over 1,200 nautical miles, following a specially devised route to overfly places of significance to Puma operations. These included RAF Benson itself which has been the home base for the Puma fleet, including the main training base for crews that have flown the Puma.
Further on during their journey, the Puma formation headed over the North Sea to Northern Ireland, where the type played a crucial role during the Troubles, providing essential support and transport to UK forces.
The helicopters also overflew Kensington Palace to honor Prince Michael of Kent’s connection to both RAF Benson and the Puma fleet. Further on, the Pumas took in RAF bases Cranwell, Halton, Honington, Shawbury, and the Stanta training area (Norfolk) which were all sights of significance for the aircrew that have operated the type over the decades.
Lastly, sites at both Boscombe Down and Airbus in Kidlington saw the aircraft formation overhead, these being sites of significance for the maintenance and operational capabilities of the Puma fleet over its career.
“Each place reflects the rich history and contributions that the Puma has made during its time in service,” said Wing Commander Nick Monaghan, Officer Commanding 33 Squadron and RAF Puma Force Commander. “The aircraft has been a cornerstone of global defense operations for more than five decades. We want to celebrate its contribution to supporting our people around the world over the past 54 years,” he added.
According to Wing Commander Alice Tierney, Station Commander at RAF Benson, “As the helicopter flew over these historic sites, it symbolized the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the RAF. The Puma’s drawdown marks the transition to newer technologies, but its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of aviators. For those who have flown and engineered her for over 50 years, this is a poignant moment and a chance to reflect on their dedication and service.”
“The farewell flight was not just a goodbye but a celebration of the Puma’s remarkable journey and the countless lives it touched and saved over its distinguished career. We recognize and celebrate the dedication of everyone who has served on or supported Puma operations over the last five decades,” Tierney concluded.
