The RAF Puma detachment that has been serving in Afghanistan in support of the NATO Resolute Support Mission is returning to RAF Benson as part of the withdrawal of NATO forces from the country.
The three Puma helicopters and the personnel from Joint Helicopter Command that have been serving in Kabul since March 2015. The helicopters are now returning to their home base in Oxfordshire and are being flown from Kabul to RAF Brize Norton on an Antonov AN-225.
Since March 2015, the detachment has been serving as part of the NATO-led non-combat mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, known as the Resolute Support Mission.
During this period, the detachment has been formed from 33 Squadron and 230 Squadron, with support from other JHC personnel and units.
“This is a significant time for the Puma Force as an enduring and rewarding operation comes to a close. The commitment and professionalism of the whole team has been exceptional, whether they’ve been deployed or provided support from the UK. I’m extremely proud of everyone and they should look back on all that they have achieved with pride.”
Group Captain Nick Paton
Puma Force Commander
During Operation TORAL, the operational name given to the UK element of Resolute Support Mission, the Pumas were based at Kabul International Airport. From there, they were able to provide vital airborne transport to UK and NATO forces to mitigate the extant ground threat. This included transporting personnel and equipment around the different urban, mountainous and desert terrains in the Kabul area, as well as supporting the deployment of the NATO Security Quick Reaction Force as needed.
"The Puma detachment has provided invaluable support to the NATO mission in Afghanistan, helping the UK’s wider effort to develop civil society and reduce the threat of terrorism, building the foundations for a peace process.
"We remain committed to supporting Afghanistan through the next few months and years, both through defence engagement and diplomatic and development support."
James Heappey
Minister for the Armed Forces
During the deployment, the Pumas flew 12,800 hours, which is the equivalent of over 533 days in the air. The medium support helicopters also transported 126,000 passengers and moved 660,000kgs of freight.
“The RAF Puma Force have done a superb job in supporting the UK’s mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces since 2015. Their contribution over such a sustained period has been second to none and they can be incredibly proud of the significant part they played.”
Air Vice-Marshal Nigel Colman
Commander Joint Helicopter Command
