Three Denel Rooivalk attack helicopters currently serving with the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Monusco) will return to South Africa later this year, due to cost cutting in the mission. The UN said after a review last year: "It was determined that Monusco would need to give up its Rooivalk helicopters. At this stage, it is considered that the Mission is in a position to implement its mandate without additional attack helicopters." The three helicopters, two on active duty and one on standby, are due to return in late May-early June this year, although the South African National Defence Force said it is still in talks with the UN to decide what the implications will be and the way forward. Rooivalks were first deployed with Monusco in 2013 when they were instrumental in defeating M23 rebels and have seen action against other rebel groups, such as the Allied Democratic Forces, but of late have mostly been used for escort and surveillance missions. As their capabilities are not urgently needed and funding cuts are biting, it was decided to remove the Rooivalks to save money.
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