After completing the transfer of its Russian-made Kamov helicopters in September, Portugal confirmed that it had transferred another 8 SA 330 Puma helicopters to the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the last quarter of 2024. The announcement was confirmed by the country’s current Minister of Defense, Nuno Melo, during his speech at the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base (Germany).
Briefly reviewing the history of these aircraft, it is worth noting that they were acquired by the Portuguese Air Force in 1969, making Portugal the first country to use them in combat operations during deployments in Angola and Mozambique as part of what is known as the Portuguese Colonial War. At the time, their primary mission was troop transport, with the capacity to carry up to 18 personnel, representing a significant capability upgrade compared to the older Alouette III systems. They were also used in various search and rescue missions.
The SA 330 Pumas were retired from service in 2006 when Portugal opted to acquire the more modern AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin helicopters, with the last Puma helicopters being withdrawn from their bases in the Azores in November 2006. After undergoing capability upgrades in the 1980s, Lisbon initially considered selling them, an effort it pursued starting in 2007. According to local Ukrainian media, the helicopters in their current state are still notable for their ability to launch Exocet anti-ship missiles, as well as for integrating ORB-31 X radars for target acquisition.
Furthermore, these SA 330 Puma helicopters, along with the previously mentioned Kamov helicopters, are not the only military assets delivered by Lisbon to Kyiv. Official documents from the Portuguese Ministry of Defense indicate that throughout the year, Portugal also supplied uniforms, grenade launchers, demining equipment, M113 armored vehicles, and 105mm artillery systems, among other military assets. In total, these contributions amounted to an investment of 221 million euros.
Regarding this assistance and reaffirming Portugal’s commitment to ongoing military support for Ukraine, Minister Melo stated: “Of these 221 million euros for 2024, I must say that Portugal, as I can announce now, has exceeded this investment. I can inform you that Portuguese aid will currently amount to, pending final confirmation, a figure close to 226 million euros.” In particular, a significant investment of up to 52 million euros is planned for the production of drones in Portugal, an initiative that will receive support from the United Kingdom.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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