The RAF has just retired its Puma helicopters, with a fitting tribute to a very well respected and significant type. Here at GAR, we kick off our own tribute to the Puma with a look at the final flypast which took place on the 26-27th March 2025. Words by Paul Dunn with photos by the GAR team and friends.
Warlock Formation arriving at Sleap airfield on day one of the retirement flypast © John Higgins – Global Aviation Resource
On 31st March 2025, the curtain finally came down on the RAF’s Puma helicopter force, after 54 years of solid service. As part of the commemoration of this retirement, a flight of three Pumas, using the callsign WARLOCK formation, made a fairly extensive two day tour of sites in the UK which have been particularly associated with the fleet over the last six decades.
Discussing the flypast plans, Wing Commander Nick Monahan, OC 33 Sqn, stated “This flight route is via various locations of significance. Each place reflects the rich history and contributions that the Puma has made during its time in service. The aircraft has been a cornerstone of global defence operations for more than five decades. We want to celebrate its contribution to supporting our people around the world over the past 54 years.”
Warlock Formation arriving at Sleap airfield on day one of the retirement flypast © John Higgins – Global Aviation Resource
Warlock Formation departing Sleap airfield on day one of the retirement flypast © John Higgins – Global Aviation Resource
The tour began and ended at the Puma Force’s final base of RAF Benson. From there, the formation departed on the 26th March, visiting locations in the west of England and Wales before heading across the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland, an important operational location for the Puma as part of Operation Banner, the official name for the British forces response to the Troubles.
After a night stop at RAF Valley, the formation made its way via Manchester towards the east side of the UK, visiting locations in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and East Anglia before routing via the London heli-lanes back to Benson where the Pumas shut down for the final time, in front of an audience including many current and former Puma personnel.
Warlock Formation flying through Barton on day two of the retirement flypast © John Higgins – Global Aviation Resource
Warlock Formation flying over Ladybower Reservoir on day two of the retirement flypast © Shaun Connor[
Warlock Formation flying over Ladybower Reservoir on day two of the retirement flypast © Shaun Connor
Warlock Formation flying over Ladybower Reservoir on day two of the retirement flypast © Shaun Connor
Over the coming days we have a great a selection of Puma related content in the pipeline, including a history of the type in RAF service and exclusive contributions from some of those that flew the aircraft over the last 54 years, as we pay tribute to this legendary machine. Thanks to Shaun Connor for the low level Puma images.
