HEREFORD MP Paul Keetch is defending the SAS against claims that a “gung ho” approach to helicopter missions has had the regiment banned from one of its main modes of battle transport.

The claims came in national newspaper reports of inquiry findings, put to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), into fatal accidents involving RAF Puma helicopters.

Mr Keetch has long advocated the SAS having its own dedicated helicopter fleet rather than relying on the aging Pumas. But, after reading the report, he says he’s taking the “gung ho” claims with a strong pinch of salt.

Citing defence sources, the reports said RAF pilots were pushing Pumas to their limits to meet demands made by the SAS, and, as a result, both RAF and Army chiefs had decided never to let special forces use Pumas again.

Last week, defence minister Quentin Davies told the Commons defence committee that the MoD was considering cancelling plans to upgrade Puma engines and may buy new helicopters.

Mr Keetch said nothing in the inquiry altered the case for the SAS having its own air arm, as part of a much-needed review of helicopter battle support as a whole.

“I was in Afghanistan recently talking to troops, they say that their equipment is improved but the real issue is still air movement – helicopters,” said Mr Keetch.