Portugal transferred eight French-made SA 330 Puma helicopters to Ukraine as part of military assistance. This was stated by the Minister of Defense of Portugal, Nunu Melu, informs Correioda Manhа.
According to the minister, Portugal exceeded the planned annual amount of aid to Ukraine by approximately €5 million, it reached €226 million. Melu told how these funds were distributed: approximately €100 million was invested in the coalition for the purchase of ammunition for the Ukrainian defense, which was initiated by the Czech Republic, €52 million was invested in the coalition of drones that will be produced in Portugal.
The Portuguese SA-330 Pumas are distinguished by the use of advanced fire control systems that allow the launch of Exocet anti-ship missiles. The ORB-31 X-band radar station is installed in the nose of the helicopter, which can be configured for different models of helicopters and is used for detecting targets on the sea surface, their identification, meteorological monitoring, navigation and fire control for the destruction of surface and underwater objects.
Like the British and German SeaKing helicopters, the Portuguese Pumas have considerable age, having been in service from 1970 to 2009 and were active in operations in North Africa during colonial conflicts.
