South African soldiers, aircraft and helicopters coming home from DRC

South Africa is carrying out an airlift operation to return troops and equipment of the SANDF from the Democratic Republic of the Congo after its SADC mission was terminated. Key assets include Oryx helicopters, heavy cargo flown on Il-76 transport aircraft, and troops returning on Boeing 737s.

By African Insider

Among the helicopter fleet, three Oryx aircraft from Lubumbashi are serviceable and will be flown back, while two others will be airlifted. Even the Oryx stuck at Goma, in rebel-controlled territory, is due for retrieval under UN protection.

The mission saw coordination across multiple fronts, with equipment initially moved to staging grounds and the use of both air and sea logistics. Remaining troops in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi are supporting the withdrawal process alongside the cargo operations.