MONUC is one of the largest and most robust peace keeping operations ever undertaken by the UN. The Aviation Contingents are by far the key elements in the arsenal of MONUC in achieving its mandate of maintaining peace in this huge country, the second largest in Africa. The tasks required by UN from the Mi-35 Sqn were to provide armed escort, fire support, anti-armour support, reconnaissance, information gathering and MEDEVAC, all these both by day as well as night. The Mi-17 utility helicopters were to undertake tasks including troop induction, cargo carriage, under slung operations, SAR, CASEVAC and MEDEVAC, reconnaissance and surveillance, both by day and night..... Read More

MONUC is one of the largest and most robust peace keeping operations ever undertaken by the UN. The Aviation Contingents are by far the key elements in the arsenal of MONUC in achieving its mandate of maintaining peace in this huge country, the second largest in Africa. The tasks required by UN from the Mi-35 Sqn were to provide armed escort, fire support, anti-armour support, reconnaissance, information gathering and MEDEVAC, all these both by day as well as night. The Mi-17 utility helicopters were to undertake tasks including troop induction, cargo carriage, under slung operations, SAR, CASEVAC and MEDEVAC, reconnaissance and surveillance, both by day and night..... Read More

Mi-17 Squadron formed the utility helicopter component of IAC-I and its tasking included troop insertion/extraction, casualty evacuation, disarmament, demobilization and resettlement (DDR) support, logistics supply, search and rescue, observation and reconnaissance. Their span of control passed over the Equator and they flew more than 13000 sorties and 8000 flight hours during their operations. These helicopters were also exclusively responsible for the induction and extraction of UN troops. The IAC also assisted various DRC/foreign troops including troops from Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Uruguay, and Guatemala in their ground operations. .... Read More

The MI 25 sqadron formed the cutting edge of IAC-I and was instrumental in restoring peace and stability in North Kivu and Ituri regions of DRC. The roles of Vipers included Armed recce and surveillance, Fire support to heliborne forces during critical phases of flight and Armed escort to UN aircraft and ground forces. The span of operations of Vipers spread across the jungles and inaccessible regions of eastern DRC. During their deployment the Units clocked more than 5000 flight hours..... Read More

In the last quarter of 2004, immediate and effective communication of MONUC forces to remote areas of DRC was the need of the hour. The inaccessible terrain with poor infrastructure of roads and non-existing communication lines only strengthened the demand for transportation by air. Hostile elements and presence of rebel groups precluded use of civilian effort. The flexibility of launching air effort by night was one of the pre-requisites and IAF did have this unique capability. In Feb 05, six Mi-17 medium-lift, multi-role and Night Vision capable utility helicopters were inducted in Bukavu. The Squadron was armed by the air warriors from the time honoured helicopter squadrons of IAF. The pride of IAF had one common goal i.e. keep Peace in the strife torn nation." ".... Read More

IAF helicopters were utilised for Road opening and convoy escorting, Aerial Reccee, Casualty evacuation, Communication as part of the Indian contingent supporting UN operations. The IAF detachment had 9 Officers, 22 other ranks and 3 NCs(E). Two Gypsies, One Nissan mini coach and a Nissan truck comprised the MT support..... Read More

The role of IAF Contingent 2000 is determined by the mandate given to UNAMSIL.The rules of engagement stress that the helicopters may fire only in self-defence or to provide protection for UN troops or personnel in the carrying out of the mandate of UNAMSIL. 3 X MI-35 Gun Ships, 3 X MI-8, 2 X Alouettes were involved.... Read More

consisting of Mi-8 and Chetaks..... Read More