Bharat Rakshak:Indian Air Force

An Mi-17 at Shabundaan ALG on a food supply sortie

Mi-17 at a forward ALG on a food supply mission. The Mi-17s of MONUC sport the chaff / flare dispensers for protection against MANPADs.

An Mil-35 on escort duties

An Mi-35 in flight - note the IAF tail fin flash and serial still in place

Coordinating new military operations in Ituri

Joint military operations of the FARDC and MONUC continue against various militia factions ganging together in Ituri.

Disarming FRPI militiamen in Ituri

Operation "Ituri Encourager" aims to disarm FRPI militiamen who have not yet joined the districts disarmament program despite an ultimatum to surrender before 11 January 2006.

First briefing of Indian Air Contingent officers at Bukav

First briefing of Indian Air Contingent officers at Bukav. Note the officers wearing standard army DPM camo uniforms. The DPM uniforms are now standard for officers with Attack Helicopter Units.

Giving a ride to the Guatemalans

Guatemalan troops get a ride from the IAF Mi-17s during an troop insertion mission.

Indian Camp

An aerial photograph shows the layout of the camp of the Indian air contingent.

Medal ceremony of the United Nations in Bukavu

SRSG William Swing hands over the medal of the United Nations to members of the Indian Aviation contingent based in Bukavu.

Mi-17 at an Advanced Landing Ground

Mi-17 at a forward ALG on a food supply mission. The Mi-17s of MONUC sport the chaff / flare dispensers for protection against MANPADs.

Mi-17s on a special heli borne operation (SHBO) at Bukavu

Mi-17s carry out a SHBO

Mi-17s taking off on SHBO

Another view of the Mi-17s taking off on SHBO. The choppers are operating with the rear clam shell doors removed

Mi-35s ready to go on a mission

The attack component of the Indian Air Contingent is provided by Mi-35s seconded from No.104 Helicopter Squadron

Rolling for the mission

This photo shows six of the Mi-17s taking off from the Indian base. The choppers are carrying Pakistani troops on the mission.

SHBO against Militiamen

FARCD and MONUC troops start a joint military operation against militia in the Tchei area of Ituri on 27 February.

The local terrain

The local terrain necessiates usage of helicopters in transport and supply missions.