The UK Ministry of Defence had recently given the go ahead for a major life extension programme for the RAF's Puma fleet, including new engines and avionics. The aircraft will be designated Puma HC2s and were expected to remain in service until 2022. This particular example was operated by 230 Squadron, based at RAF Aldergrove, Northern Ireland. Later this year the squadron moved from its current home to join sister unit, 33 Squadron, at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.