Portugal has transferred eight SA-330 Puma helicopters to Ukraine and will increase assistance this year-the Defense Ministry

The Portuguese Ministry of Defense transferred eight SA-330 Puma helicopters as part of a military aid package at the end of 2024, according to the report of the Portugal Ministry. This information was also confirmed by the National Defense Minister of NUNU Melu in the sidelines of the 25th meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine.

The minister added that Portugal will exceed the last year’s assistance to Ukraine for about five million euros.

According to him, in 2024, Portugal took on the obligation to help Ukraine worth about 221 million euros. In particular, 100 million euros were invested in the Czech ammunition coalition and 52 million euros in the British coalition to buy drones that will be produced in Portugal.

SA-330 Puma is a French average multi-purpose helicopter capable of transporting up to 16 paratroopers or 2.5 tons of cargo. Develops speeds up to 257 km/h and has a flight range up to 580 km. It is used for military and civilian missions, can be equipped with machine guns and suspension weapons.