Portugal handed over eight SA-330 Puma helicopters to Ukraine in 2024

The Ministry of Defence of Portugal has handed over eight SA-330 Puma helicopters to Ukraine as part of a military assistance package. This information was published in an official document on the support provided to Ukraine and confirmed by the country's Minister of Defence.

Here's What We Know

The SA-330 Puma helicopters have been in storage since 2012 and were put up for sale in 2014 in airworthy condition. They are equipped with advanced fire control systems that allow them to launch Exocet anti-ship missiles. The nose of the helicopter is equipped with an ORB-31 X-band radar used for target acquisition on the sea surface, navigation and fire control.

These helicopters were used by the Portuguese military from 1970 to 2009, including in the colonial wars in North Africa. Recent missions have included personnel transport and search and rescue operations. In the 2010s, the Puma was replaced by the modern EH-101 Merlin.

Earlier, in September 2024, Portugal handed over the first Ka-32 helicopters to Ukraine. They were delivered unassembled from the city of Ponte de Sor. The Ka-32, developed on the basis of the military Ka-27, can perform a wide range of tasks, including cargo transport, rescue missions, firefighting and construction work.

Source: Correio da Manhã