China has established its first peacekeeping helicopter unit for operations in Sudan. The unit was established by an army aviation corp of the 81st Group Army of the PLA. On May 19, the unit took oaths during a special ceremony.

The unit consists of 140 soldiers, and is equipped with four medium multi-functional helicopters, Mi-171. The unit will be deployed in batches to conduct operations in Darfur, Sudan. Its main tasks include air patrol and the transportation of personnel and materials.