Air Force contingent leaves for Congo on UN mission
Dated 1/9/2006
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An Indian Air force (IAF) contingent was flagged off by Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani, the Vice Chief of Air Staff on Thursday to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as part of India's UN Peace Keeping missions.
The Indian Aviation Contingent-I (IAC-I) is led by Group Captain Neelakanthan. The contingent, who will be inducted in Congo in mid-September 2006, comprises 243 personnel of the IAF.
The contingent has five Mi-17 and four Mi-25 (attack) helicopters. The twin purpose of the contingent is to provide mobility to the UN staff/forces and also act as a deterrent for the belligerent groups operating to destabilize the peace process. The contingent forms part of 17,500 strong UN Peace Keeping force deployed in Congo.
The logistics, technical expertise, medical services, pay and account facilities form part of the base set up in Congo as the contingent is modelled on the lines of a regular IAF base. Goma in the eastern region of Congo will serve as the headquarters of the contingent.
Congo has been in a state of turmoil since it attained freedom in 1960. Indian armed forces have been contributing to peace missions in the strife torn state, ever since.
