RAF Pumas to replace Bell 412 helicopters in Cyprus

Royal Air Force Puma helicopters will replace Bell 412 helicopters at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has announced that Puma HC2 helicopters will replace the Bell 412EP Griffin helicopters currently operating at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

The Bell 412 helicopters have been providing support to British forces and UN peacekeeping operations in Cyprus for several years. The transition to Puma HC2 helicopters represents an upgrade in capability and operational flexibility for RAF operations in the region.

The Puma HC2 is a medium-lift support helicopter that has been extensively upgraded with new engines, avionics, and defensive systems. It offers improved performance, greater payload capacity, and enhanced survivability compared to the Bell 412.

RAF Akrotiri serves as a key British military base in the Eastern Mediterranean, supporting operations across the Middle East and providing search and rescue capabilities. The base also hosts UN Flight, which provides support to United Nations peacekeeping forces on the island.
The helicopter replacement is part of the RAF's ongoing fleet modernization efforts and will ensure continued support for British and international operations in the region. The Puma helicopters are expected to begin operations from Cyprus in the coming months.

Source: RAF & Janes News, 8 February 2023, 8 February 2023

Photo: On 6 February, two Puma HC2s departed from RAF Benson in England to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to begin a long-term detachment. (Photo by Crown Copyright)

Editor: Marry Reed (NATO ©XAirForces News Editor from Israel and Greece)

Keywords: RAF, Royal Air Force, RAF Puma HC2, Puma HC2, RAF Puma HC2 helicopter, Bell 412, Cyprus, Akrotiri, Military Helicopters, NATO, UN Peacekeeping

RAF Pumas to replace Bell 412 helicopters in Cyprus


(8.02.2023)