PUMA helicopter crews from RAF Benson serving in Afghanistan have continued to operate, despite challenging winter conditions.
The Pumas from the air base near Wallingford are deployed to provide helicopter support to NATO forces stationed there, conducting the ongoing training mission with the Afghan Security Forces.
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Sqn Ldr Max Bond, the officer commanding the UK’s Toral Aviation Detachment, said: “Operating the aircraft is always a challenge because of Kabul’s altitude and congested airspace, but this is further compounded during the winter months by degraded visibility, sub-zero temperatures and occasional heavy snow fall.
“Despite this, we have been able to maintain our core activities and have recently conducted training with the 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles to make sure we are ready and able to provide an airborne Quick Reaction Force for the NATO mission if required.”
The soldiers of 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles are the lead battle group in the NATO Kabul Protection Unit. They work alongside other NATO allies and the wider international community.
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