An Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III airlifted Vietnamese military personnel and equipment to Africa in support of Vietnam’s contribution to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The airlift support between late March and late April allowed Vietnam to complete an important rotation of its UNMISS Level Two Field Hospital personnel. the Australian Defence Force’s support to Vietnam, which is an important partner for Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The Australian Defence Force’s work alongside Vietnam demonstrates the close ties between our two countries. The peacekeeping partnership between Australia and Vietnam is a key element of our defence relationship. It highlights our shared vision of a peaceful, inclusive and resilient region actively supporting global security,” Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said.
The Royal Australian Air Force has delivered more than 120 passengers and in excess of 55,000kg of cargo between Vietnam and Africa in the last two months, including medical and dental equipment, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, food stores and refrigerated supplies. This was the third rotation of Vietnam’s UNMISS personnel the Australian Defence Force has supported. The Australian Defence Force helped with the first in October 2018 and the second in November 2019.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is a United Nations peacekeeping mission for the recently independent South Sudan, which became independent on 9 July 2011. UNMISS was established on 8 July 2011 by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1996 (2011). It is composed of 15,000 military personnel, 1,800 police, and 2,800 civilian workers. It is headquartered in the South Sudanese capital of Juba. In June 2014, Vietnam participated in UNMISS as their first official peacekeeping mission by sending officers from the Vietnam People’s Army.
