The initial operational capability of Carpathian Pumas Detachment which is on mission, in Mali, was declared on Monday, October 21st. Thus, the Romanian servicemen can conduct MEDEVAC/CASEVAC missions at the request of the UN representatives, with a helicopter equipped with medical devices and a second helicopter as escort, based on the emerging operational requirements.

According to the requirements needed to be met in order to declare initial operational capability, the pilots executed reconnaissance and familiarization flights in the area of operations both during the day and at night and MEDEVAC exercises, with their German partners.

The Romanian soldiers will continue their training with a view of having their final operational capability declared by the beginning of November and assuming the other types of missions, in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) such as troops, materiel and equipment airlift, extraction and air patrol.

The Press Office