VayuSena
India has a long and distinguished history in UN peacekeeping, participating in most major peacekeeping exercises since the Korean conflict in 1950. IAF combat aircraft were deployed in 1960 in Congo and 2000 in Sierra Leone. Transport aircraft and Helicopters have been used for example, in Somalia.
Congo 1960
1960 was the first time te IAF used Jet power in combat, although not fighting for India. The Canberras used were not used as bombers and only armament they used was their 20mm cannon. On several occasions they struck enemy positions with great success and not a single Canberra was lost, though they were hit by AAA, resulting in injuries to the personnel.
Joint Effort: Two IAF Canberras flying in formation with a pair of Swedish J29s and a pair of Ethopian F-86 Sabres.
Sierra Leone 2000
When IAF sent its helicopter fleet to Sierra Leone in 2000, it saw the most extensive chopper combat since Sri Lanka (Kargil operations were of a completely different nature). Infact, a Mi-8 was lost to RUF rebels during a rescue mission. RUF attacks on UN Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) forces led to the use of Chetak and Mi-8s for air cover. However, these measures would not be enough and soon 3 Mi-35 Hind attack choppers were 'shipped' by air on 2nd June 2000.
Back in India: IAF Personnel
The combat actions peaked with Operation Khukri [July 15 & 16, 2000], the aim of which was to rescue 222 peacekeepers (largely Indian) held as hostages by the rebels. During the operation, the IAF Contingent flew a total of 98 sorties utilising 66:05 hrs. A total of 08 helicopters were utilised for this mission, including all 3 Mi-35s.
Incidently, for this mission IA Para Commandos borrowed a Chinook helicopter from the famed SAS (UK) for the initial assault. The operation was a grand success with no casualties to the troops except for a few sharpnel wounds.
India pulled out its entire contingent soon after Op Khukri.
| bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Congo/: Canberras in the Congo: 1960 |
| bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/2000s/Sierra.html: UNAMSIL Operations: Peace Keeping In Sierra Leone |
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