A PoAF Puma helicopter in support of a Space Shuttle Recovery Exercise at Lajes Field, Azores. On Friday the 3rd  the Portuguese Air Force started to operate eight EH101 Merlin helicopters, replacing the old French made Puma helicopters; which have had more than 30 years of service, first used during the Portuguese Colonial War. "The Government will decide the future of the Puma helicopters on the board of appreciation that is being done with other sectors of the Government, namely the Ministry of Internal Administration, in the possibility of the Puma being adapted for other missions, for example on the scope of the civilian protection". Portuguese Air Force AgustaWestland EH101 The Merlin, was purchased in 2001 by the Government of António Guterres. The two first helicopters arrived in February 11 of last year, being held in February 24 an official ceremony in the Montijo Air Base, attending both the president of the Portuguese Republic, Jorge Sampaio, and the then minister of National Defense, Paulo Portas. They have cost the Portuguese Government  446 million euros , (approximately  $536 million USD ). This deal has given  60 million euros in counterparts, relatively in orders of production in the workshops of OGMA. It's expected that this sum will grow to almost a total of  315 million euros .
A PoAF Puma helicopter in support of a Space Shuttle Recovery Exercise at Lajes Field, Azores. On Friday the 3rd , the Portuguese Air Force started to operate eight EH101 Merlin helicopters, replacing the old French made Puma helicopters; which have had more than 30 years of service, first used during the Portuguese Colonial War. "The Government will decide the future of the Puma helicopters on the board of appreciation that is being done with other sectors of the Government, namely the Ministry of Internal Administration, in the possibility of the Puma being adapted for other missions, for example on the scope of the civilian protection". Portuguese Air Force AgustaWestland EH101 The Merlin, was purchased in 2001 by the Government of António Guterres. The two first helicopters arrived in February 11 of last year, being held in February 24 an official ceremony in the Montijo Air Base, attending both the president of the Portuguese Republic, Jorge Sampaio, and the then minister of National Defense, Paulo Portas. They have cost the Portuguese Government € 446 million , (approximately US $536 million ). This deal has given € 60 million in counterparts, relatively in orders of production in the workshops of OGMA. It's expected that this sum will grow to almost a total of € 315 million .
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