Portugal Sends Eight SA-330 Puma Helicopters to Ukraine

The Portuguese Ministry of Defense has transferred eight SA-330 Puma helicopters to Ukraine as part of a military assistance package at the end of 2024.

The SA-330 Puma helicopters, sent to storage in 2012 and offered for sale in 2014, are equipped with fire control systems allowing the launch of Exocet anti-ship missiles. The ORB-31 X-band radar, located in the helicopter's nose, provides sea-surface target detection, weather warnings, navigation, and fire control for surface and underwater targets.

Portugal purchased 13 of these helicopters, which were in service between 1970 and 2009, including operations in North Africa during the colonial wars. They were replaced by EH-101 Merlins in the 2010s. The last flights of the SA-330 Puma were used for personnel transport and search and rescue missions.

This transfer follows Portugal’s delivery of Ka-32 helicopters to Ukraine in September 2024. These helicopters, developed in the USSR from the military Ka-27 model, are designed for cargo transport, rescue operations, and firefighting.