Date:01/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090100951500.htm

National

IAC-I flagged off to Congo

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani, flagged off the Indian Aviation Contingent-I to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the Palam Air Force Station on Thursday.

Congo has been in a state of turmoil since attaining freedom in 1960.

The Indian Aviation Contingent I, comprising 243 air warriors, will be inducted into Congo by mid-September. The contingent has five Mi-17 and four Mi-25 (attack) helicopters.

Mobility to U.N. staff

The contingent would provide mobility to the U.N. staff and forces and prove a deterrent to the groups that are against the peace process.

The contingent forms a part of 17,500 strong U.N. peacekeepers deployed in Congo.

Group Captain Neelakanthan, a fighter pilot with 4,000 hours of flying, will head the IAC-I. He will be supported by Wing Commander T. V. Unnikrishnan (operations), Wing Commander S. Ghuratia (maintenance) and Wing Commander S. P. Joshi (administration).

The Mi-25 gunships will be commanded by Group Captain J. James and Wing Commander R. K. Chauhan will be in command of the Mi-17 medium lift helicopters. The entire contingent is modelled on the lines of a regular air force base. Accordingly, the logisticians, technical expertise, medical support and even pay and account services form part of the battle ready contingent.