The Royal Air Force Chinook detachment supporting Operation Barkhane carried on against Islamic terrorist groups in Mali has so far logged over 2 000 flight hours, including nearly 340 hours so far this year, DefenseWeb reports.

CH-47D Chinook of the Royal Air Force operating in Mali (Picture source: British MoD)

The Royal Air Force on 6 May said the RAF Odiham-based CH-47D Chinook helicopters have now completed 2,000 hours of flying in support of the French forces since they began operating in Mali in July 2018. Since then, they have moved over 1,000 tonnes of freight and over 12,000 passengers.

Currently, the Chinooks are being flown by aircrew drawn from 18(B) Squadron and are supported by ground-based personnel drawn from across the Army and RAF who carry out three to four-month tours.

“We have not lost a sortie due to COVID-19 and the French have maintained a high tempo of operations throughout. Once their troops are in the field, we re-supply them and can lift vehicles in and out as required,” said RAF detachment commander Wing Commander Si Elsey.