The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has, it appears, begun implementing plans to address the operational capability gap created by the phased retirement of the Puma helicopter fleet in Cyprus and Brunei.
The move comes as the MOD prepares for the entry into service of the new H145 helicopter platform, scheduled for 2026.
A recent job advertisement for UK CAA Licensed Aircraft Engineers has provided further clarity on how the MOD is bridging this gap. The positions, based in Cyprus and Brunei, involve supporting rotary aircraft under a new contract that ensures the continued availability of essential helicopter capabilities for the British Armed Forces.
These roles are critical for sustaining troop transport, operational support, and humanitarian missions in these key overseas locations.
I have asked the Ministry of Defence for comment and will update this story once I receive it.
The Job Posting
The job notice, issued by Manpower, details openings for B1 & B2 UK CAA Licensed Aircraft Engineers to support operations in Cyprus and Brunei. The advertisement states:
“One of the world’s largest engineering product manufacturers in Oxfordshire have a number of exciting new opportunities available for B1 & B2 UK CAA Licensed Aircraft Engineers as the result of a new contract to support aircraft for the MoD located in Cyprus and Brunei. The aircraft are engaged in a variety of tasks and will need to have maximum availability for the customer.
This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in aircraft engineering in a challenging and dynamic environment. The time on site can vary between 3 months and 2 years based on your availability. When not deployed on the Cyprus or Brunei operations you will be engaged in maintenance at either Oxford or Shawbury.”
The posting mentions flexibility and on-call readiness, highlighting the need for skilled engineers to ensure aircraft are prepared for daily flying activities, line maintenance, defect rectification, and fault diagnosis. A preference is noted for those with type ratings on the BK117D-2/3 helicopter—a model closely related to the Airbus H145, further indicating its relevance to the MOD’s transitional needs.
The context
In December 2024, Minister of State for Defence Maria Eagle acknowledged the urgent need to address capability gaps caused by the retirement of the Puma fleet. Responding to a parliamentary question, Eagle stated:
“The Department is scoping a variety of options to fulfil the short-term capability gaps before H-145 enters service from 2026. A final decision is yet to be made on the specific capability solution; thus, we are not yet able to disclose our proposed capability solution.”
The newly advertised positions indicate progress on these interim measures. By contracting experienced engineers and possibly deploying stopgap rotary platforms, the MOD is ensuring its operations in RAF Akrotiri and Brunei remain uninterrupted until the full operational rollout of the H145.
The Transition to H145
The introduction of the H145 helicopter fleet is anticipated to enhance the MOD’s rotary capabilities, offering significant enhancements in efficiency, capability, and operational readiness. However, the timeline for its phased entry into service has left a temporary shortfall.
The MOD has reiterated its commitment to managing associated costs within existing budgets. “Any incurred costs will be managed within current budgets to ensure the solutions provide maximum value for money,” Eagle confirmed.
The roles, focused on rotary maintenance and on-call readiness, underscore the importance of ensuring aircraft availability during this transitional period. As stated in the advertisement:
“Flexibility will be key in this role and there will be on-call periods, as well as early starts with early finishes or at times late starts and late finishes.”
If you at the specifications of Puma and Sea King and then compare them with modern cabs you can understand why there is some difficulty in getting a direct replacement. Both helicopters are simply superb. H145 is a good choice if not a perfect match.
Is this the six EC-145s mentioned early later year?
Early last year.
So having decided to replace a number of different choppers we are now going to have several. Great planning…as usual.
There will be a separate sub-department for each type of helicopter, each with a senior grade in charge and an empire of flunkeys underneath them. They will agressively defend their turf – and desks – and the numbers of helicopters to be bought will be reduced to pay for all the duplication.
Thank you ‘Rachael from accounts ‘
I love how it is conveniently forgotten that Puma itself was only a stop gap in these roles, having been deployed to Cyprus and Brueni to replace 84 Sqns Griffons and 7 Flight AAC Bells, themselves cut.
That resulted in the dismantling of 230 Sqn RAF, who’s cabs and crews were needed for the two new commitments, leaving just 33 Sqn remaining.
The HC145s were cost effective purchases to enable Puma, and the future Medium Helicopter, to be retained for the priority battlefield role. Both Cyprus and Brueni taskings are secondary, training and support roles, and a waste of a FMH type who’s numbers themselves will no doubt be way, way below what is actually needed, no matter what spin HMG come out with.
That’s why Boeing and Airbus pulled out. The ask for the deal was not achievable for the money being offered. Not sure what margin Leonardo will have, but it must be very slim.
The HC145s I believe are a very basic specification avionics wise. I don’t believe they’re getting defensive aid systems (DAS). Meaning they can’t be used near or in a conflict zone. Remains to be seen if they will get DAS?
Even the 4 new Irish 145m’s are getting DAS, seems strange that the UK won’t pay for such a fit out?
I don’t believe they would ever deploy beyond their roles at Akrotiri and Brunei anyway.
Do we need extras for a SBS SAR, fire fighting role and the Brunei support to training roles?
For me, a sensible, cost effective purchase. AW149 would be overkill. Just don’t spin it MoD that they “replace” the Puma, which to me is as bad as saying that MRSS replace the LPDs. The story goes back beyond the latest cuts.
Exactly
So does this mean we are likely going for the Airbus H225M as the actual Puma replacement?
I always wondered why there was a need for a competition. It is an obvious buy. But process and value for money etc. etc. etc.
Yeovil is a bit of a sacred cow; versus additional Airbus jobs at Broughton? Did Airbus threaten to close Broughton? I would guess that the single type approach H225 was too expensive. A few 145s makes the deal more affordable. Wheels within wheels. If the govt can get Airbus to build 225s at Broughton that would be a big win.
Yes I believe there are more layers to this; anything not FAA is beyond me really. As I said somewhere up above 145 will be fine. To be honest I think the full Puma replacement programme will be scuppered and the RAF and Army will just soldier (!) on with Chinook and Wildcat with help from the Junglies. Perhaps there might be SF specific purchases at some point. But I think the Puma sized cab is deader than a dead Dodo.
I’m all for on shoring business if we can but the number of helicopters being purchased makes it unviable. Just buy OFS.