TORZHOK (Tver region). April 18 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian aviation force, which will operate as part of the peacekeeping mission in Sudan, will have been re-deployed by late May, head of the Russian Air Force Army Aviation Directorate Major General Viktor Ivanov told Interfax-Military News Agency on Tuesday.
"The aviation force comprises about 120 men and four Mi-8 utility helicopters," Ivanov told reporters at the 344th Flight Personnel Combat and Conversion Training Center in Torzhok.
"The main objectives consist in airlifting personnel and cargo, evacuating the wounded and the sick, and conducting search-and-rescue operations," he said.
At the same time Ivanov noted that helicopters would be stripped of armament, since it was a peacekeeping mission.
Ivanov noted that the group would be deployed to Sudan in several stages starting Thursday.
"Personnel will rotate every half a year, and the mission deadline has yet to be determined," he added.
Ivanov noted that according to the UN Secretariat the Dzhuba airfield in southern Sudan was ready to receive the Russian aviation force.
Ivanov said that flight and ground crews, as well as support engineers would be sent to Sudan.
Senior pilot inspector of the Army Aviation Directorate and head of the aviation force Mikhail Petrovichev said that pilots, being sent to Sudan, had had prior experience in operating in hot climate and alpine terrain.
"There are certain difficulties, but our pilots are seasoned and ready to meet any hardships," he said.