📸 In Pictures: 3,000 hours in the Malian skies

Recently, Chinook (CH-47) helicopters deployed to Mali clocked up over 3,000 hours of flying time since the operation began

3,000 hours…

• Equal to 125 days
• As long as 2,000 90 minute football matches
• As long as 1,200 flights to Spain and back

The UK Armed Forces have been deployed to Mali since 2013 on Operation NEWCOMBE (CH-47), providing logistical support to French combat forces.

In 2018, the Royal Air Force deployed three Chinook (CH-47) helicopters to provide logistical heavy airlift support to the French counter-terror mission in the region — Operation BARKHANE.

Since 2018, the Chinook (CH-47) helicopters have clocked up over 3,000 hours of flying time in support of the operation.

• Operation NEWCOMBE Explained
• 26 months in the sand: Reflections of Mali
• In Pictures: Operation Newcombe -Mali

A Chinook (CH-47) helicopter on Operation NEWCOMBE in Mali.

Have a brew and sit down with Flight Lieutenant Matt, Flight Lieutenant Steve and Corporal Marc as they talk about their time with French forces in Mali:

Take a look at the Chinooks in action since they arrived in Mali👇

A Chinook (CH-47) helicopter soars over the desert in Mali.

A pilot flying a Chinook (CH-47) helicopter over the desert in Mali.

A Chinook (CH-47) helicopter flies low over the desert in Mali.

Chinook (CH-47) helicopters have been present in Mali since 2018.

Chinook (CH-47) helicopters lift a heavy ISO container.

Operating the rear gun of a Chinook (CH-47) helicopter.

Chinook (CH-47) helicopters have now clocked up over 3,000 hours of flying time on Operation NEWCOMBE in Mali.

A Chinook (CH-47) helicopter releases its flares as part of a system test over the river.

Personnel visiting the Hombori Mountains in Mali.

A Chinook (CH-47) helicopter takes off with an underslung load.

Two Chinook (CH-47) helicopters come in to land.

A Chinook (CH-47) helicopter flies high above the desert.

A Chinook (CH-47) helicopter creates a large dust cloud in the desert in Mali.

Personnel await a delivery.

Personnel stand beside a Chinook (CH-47) helicopter whilst deployed on Operation NEWCOMBE.

Chinook (CH-47) helicopters play an important role on Operation NEWCOMBE.

A sandstorm sweeps through the desert in Mali.

Find out where else the UK Armed Forces are deployed here 👇