Romanian airlift helicopter detachment prepared for UN Mission in Mali

Romanian airlift helicopter detachment "Carpathian Pumas", from 57th Air Base Mihail Kogălniceanu, has been assessed (15-22 July) and given green light to be deployed to UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Republic of Mali (MINUSMA). Romania will replace Canadian peacekeepers, who complete their mission in Mali on July 31.

Romanian detachment participating in the mission to start mid-October will consist of around 120 people (pilots, technical and medical personnel) and four IAR-330 Puma L-SAR helicopters.

Romania will support the UN in assisting the Government of the Republic of Mali to continue implementing the Peace Agreement, protecting civilians and preventing return of armed elements hostile to the Peace Agreement in populated areas. Romanian detachment will carry out CASEVAC and MEDEVAC medical evacuation missions, search and rescue, troops and materials transport, passenger transport missions, patrols and observation missions.

Romanian Chief of Defense, General Nicolae Ciucă,in an interview with RRA Military Reporter Radu Dobrițoiu: "Four Romanian helicopters will participate in the UN Mission in Mali, for medical evacuations, transport of personnel and materials. There will be as well as 120 soldiers, senior staff, pilots, technical and maintenance teams. We are able to use our forces and means wherever it is needed, which means for the Romanian militaries a high degree of appreciation of the professionalism they have proved so far in any mission they have been assigned".

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei