The SA330 Puma has faithfully served the French Air and Space Force for the past 50 years. Although still a sprightly performer, it is a fast-ageing type that will bow out in 2027.
Jointly developed by France and the UK as part of a wider political, industrial and military co-operation that also included the Jaguar strike fighter and the Gazelle and Lynx rotorcraft, the SA330 Puma has long been the workhorse of the French Army Aviation and of the French Air Force helicopter component. At the time, the goal was to create a modern, utility/tactical transport helicopter that could be used for a wide range of missions.
No fewer than 32 SA330 Pumas were eventually purchased by the French Air Force (FAF – Armée de l’Air), with service entry in May 1974. Four were destroyed in accidents in 1986, 1987, 1989 and 2018. At the time of writing, 19 remain in service with the French Air and Space Force (FASF), but the overall number will rapidly decrease over the coming years until final retirement in 2027.
Multi-role platform
The Puma is an extremely versatile rotorcraft that has proved highly successful: over the years, FASF Pumas have carried out a large range of missions, including tactical transport, pre…
