One more month for the Belgian C130s in support of Mali

(BRUXELLES2) The two C130s shuttling between Côte d'Ivoire and Mali will not see Melbroek again right away. The Belgian Council of Ministers has, in fact, approved the extension until March 31 of their operational commitment of two C-130 planes as well as two Defense helicopters engaged in the French operation Serval in Mali. The mission should normally have ended at the end of February.

Belgium "reliable partner"

This decision " responds to the request of the French General Staff “, we specify in the Prime Minister. Belgium has once again behaved as a reliable partner who assumes its responsibilities and who is always ready to cooperate closely with the Armed Forces of the allied countries” we stress to the Belgian defence.

With the exception of French planes, it was these Belgian C-130s that conducted the most supply flights we explain to the Belgian defence. 133 flights were performed totaling more than 256 flight hours. They allowed the transport of 777 passengers and almost 500 tons of material. The C-130 detachment consists of 35 soldiers will remain in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). Cost (net) of the extension: 200.000 euros.

For the two A109 medical support helicopters, the extension has also been recorded. They are currently based in Gao and will then come under European command for the EUTM Mali mission from March 15. The detachment consists of 40 soldiers. Cost (net) of the extension: 300.000 euros.