MOSCOW. Oct 18 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian helicopter unit within the UN international forces in Sierra Leone will undergo rotation from October 26 to 30, Lieutenant General Vitaly Popov, commander of the Land Forces army aviation, told Interfax-Military News Agency on Thursday.
The rotation will feature the replacement of all military pilots and technicians led by Colonel Valery Saburov who have been staying in the republic since March this year. They will be replaced by a new group of helicopterists led by experienced military pilot Colonel Ivan Nikitin.
According to Pavlov, the replacement of the unit personnel that distinguished itself while staying in Sierra Leone happens in accordance with the plan and an article of the agreement signed between Russia and the UN last year. The relocation of helicopterists and cargo will be financed by the UN. Russian military transport planes will take off from the Tver-based Migalovo airfield and land on the Lunga airfield in Sierra Leone.
"Some 90 percent of the new group personnel have got flight experience in Afghanistan, Chechnya and other trouble spots. We believe that they will quickly learn the new area of flights in Sierra Leone and successfully accomplish their missions," Pavlov added.
The Russian helicopter unit has been staying in Sierra Leone since August last year in accordance with a UN Security Council resolution. The unit comprises 115 pilots and technicians as well as four MI-24 Hind fire support helicopters.