The fifth rotation of the Indian Air Force’s Mi-17 helicopter contingent has left for the Democratic Republic of Congo, as part of a UN peace-keeping mission.

Comprising 285 air warriors, the contingent will be located along the Rwanda-Uganda border, and will operate Mi-17s in the provinces of Kivu and Ituri.

The helicopters will be used for observation, casualty evacuation, logistics supply, troop insertion-extraction and armed support.

The attack helicopters will provide deterrence and cover to Mi-17 operations and ground convoys.