New Delhi, July 13: Armed with nine helicopters, including four gunships, the largest ever contingent of the Indian Air Force is all set to leave for the trouble-torn African republic of Congo as part of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country. The 243-strong contingent, which was given a ceremonial flag-off by Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy, is scheduled to be stationed in Congo for a year.

Krishnaswamy, while wishing the troops on their mission, discounted the possibility of the contingent facing combat in Congo, saying the UN was very clear in stating that no peacekeeping force could mount an combat operation. "Combat is not expected in an operation of this kind. The UN rules of engagement clearly state that no peacekeeping force can mount an offensive operation. It is only if we face any danger that we can fire, but not necessarily to kill," he said.

The first of nine aircraft, including five Mi-17 utility helicopters and four Mi-35 gunships for combat purposes would be leaving for Congo on July 13, air force officials said adding a 90-member strong contingent from the army would also be joining them.

This is the largest ever contingent of the Indian Air Force to leave on a peacekeeping mission and the second one to leave for Congo after a gap of 33 years, they said. "It is a matter of pride that you are being selected for such an important assignment, but never think that you are serving in a foreign country. Serving under the UN flag is as important as serving for your own country," Krishnaswamy said in his talk to the contingent.

"We look at it as a learning opportunity. It is going to be an ardous task to carry out operations in alien terrain, difficult ground conditions and thick forests and planning is very important," Krishnaswamy said. The air force had deployed MI-17 helicopters, capable of carrying out operation during night time, for the first time in this operation, he said.

When asked if the air force was ready to send more aircraft to Congo if required, Krishnaswamy said the question was not that of manpower as much as that of the number of machines that were available and a decision would be taken keeping that in mind.

The air chief, who has just returned from the Maldives, said India had gifted a low-range radar to that country in order to assist it in monitoring their aircraft. A contingent of the Indian Air Force would also be based there for two to three months for the purpose of imparting training to their officers, he said.

Bureau Report