Dual-rotor helicopters use counter-rotating blades to cancel torque and dedicate all engine power to lifting. This design allows the CH-47 Chinook to easily lift 12,000-kilogramme payloads.

By eliminating the traditional tail rotor, dual-rotor military helicopters dedicate 100 per cent of their engine power to upward lift, allowing them to carry heavy payloads exceeding 12,000 kilogrammes.

Why do some military helicopters have two rotors instead of one?

Helicopters are vital for special forces raids, acting as silent multipliers. They provide rapid insertion into hostile terrain, stealth capabilities for surprise, and critical fire support. From deep penetration to saving lives via Medevac, they are the backbone of high-risk operations.

Helicopters are vital for special forces raids, acting as silent multipliers. They provide rapid insertion into hostile terrain, stealth capabilities for surprise, and critical fire support. From deep penetration to saving lives via Medevac, they are the backbone of high-risk operations.

The silent role of helicopters in special forces raids

Even after rapid drone advancements, helicopters remain indispensable for heavy-lift logistics, large-scale troop assaults, and complex medical evacuations requiring in-flight care. It’s ability to operate in extreme weather, survive electronic jamming, and fly for hours.

Even after rapid drone advancements, helicopters remain indispensable for heavy-lift logistics, large-scale troop assaults, and complex medical evacuations requiring in-flight care. It’s ability to operate in extreme weather, survive electronic jamming, and fly for hours.

7 helicopter missions drones still cannot replace

Despite the rise of drones, attack helicopters remain vital due to their ability to resist electronic jamming and carry massive payloads. Their all-weather capability, speed, and advanced defensive suites allow them to survive where drones fail. 

Despite the rise of drones, attack helicopters remain vital due to their ability to resist electronic jamming and carry massive payloads. Their all-weather capability, speed, and advanced defensive suites allow them to survive where drones fail.&nbsp;

Why attack helicopters still matter in the drone age

Helicopters are indispensable in disaster relief due to their unique ability to land without runways and hover over danger zones. From plucking survivors from floodwaters using hoists to acting as "flying ambulances" and precision firefighters.

Helicopters are indispensable in disaster relief due to their unique ability to land without runways and hover over danger zones. From plucking survivors from floodwaters using hoists to acting as "flying ambulances" and precision firefighters.

‘Disaster Relief’: Why helicopters are vital during disaster and rescue missions

Logistics helicopters are the backbone of modern military mobility, moving supplies, artillery, and troops over impassable terrain. From heavy-lift giants like the Mi-26 to rapid "sling load" deliveries and "golden hour" medical evacuations.

Logistics helicopters are the backbone of modern military mobility, moving supplies, artillery, and troops over impassable terrain. From heavy-lift giants like the Mi-26 to rapid "sling load" deliveries and "golden hour" medical evacuations.

‘Flying Trucks’: How logistics helicopters keep armies moving

Attack helicopters choose weapons based on target type, range, weather and civilian risk. Guns hit soft targets, rockets suppress areas, and missiles destroy armour from standoff range. Sensors, helmet displays and cost considerations guide fast, precise decisions.

Attack helicopters choose weapons based on target type, range, weather and civilian risk. Guns hit soft targets, rockets suppress areas, and missiles destroy armour from standoff range. Sensors, helmet displays and cost considerations guide fast, precise decisions.

How attack helicopters choose weapons during combat missions

Modern attack helicopters deploy diverse arsenals for precision strikes. From the standard AGM-114 Hellfire and long-range Spike NLOS to rapid-fire 30mm cannons, these advanced systems define aerial warfare. Here are seven of the most lethal weapons deployed.

Modern attack helicopters deploy diverse arsenals for precision strikes. From the standard AGM-114 Hellfire and long-range Spike NLOS to rapid-fire 30mm cannons, these advanced systems define aerial warfare. Here are seven of the most lethal weapons deployed.

Modern gunships: Top 7 deadliest weapons carried by modern attack helicopters

Helicopters are versatile and powerful, but can they really drop a nuclear bomb like a jet or bomber? Let's explore the facts, history, and risks behind.

Helicopters are versatile and powerful, but can they really drop a nuclear bomb like a jet or bomber? Let's explore the facts, history, and risks behind.

Possible or not: Can a helicopter drop a nuclear bomb?

From the mighty Chinook to the high-tech V-22 Osprey, reveal how far rotorcraft speed and capability have advanced. Some hold records, others redefine combat performance. Key to modern warfare, from fast strikes to troop transport. These are not just for power but for speed. 

From the mighty Chinook to the high-tech V-22 Osprey, reveal how far rotorcraft speed and capability have advanced. Some hold records, others redefine combat performance. Key to modern warfare, from fast strikes to troop transport. These are not just for power but for speed.&nbsp;

8 fastest helicopters ever built for military missions

‘From hovering to combat flying’ Military helicopter pilot training is a demanding journey that combines theory, flight practice, and real-world missions. Here’s how master every skill before earning their wings. 

‘From hovering to combat flying’ Military helicopter pilot training is a demanding journey that combines theory, flight practice, and real-world missions. Here’s how master every skill before earning their wings.&nbsp;

‘From hovering to combat flying’: How do military helicopter pilots get trained?

From anti-submarine warfare to deadly anti-ship and attack missions, modern navies rely on powerful helicopters to defend the seas. Here are the 7 most dangerous naval helicopters in active service, based on recent global defence reports.

From anti-submarine warfare to deadly anti-ship and attack missions, modern navies rely on powerful helicopters to defend the seas. Here are the 7 most dangerous naval helicopters in active service, based on recent global defence reports.

7 most deadly helicopters used by the navy

From the Sikorsky S-92 to the Leonardo AW101, these are the most advanced rescue helicopters globally, built for rescue missions. Designed for speed, strength, and precision, they handle everything from mountain rescues to disaster relief, and vital in saving lives across land, sea, and air.

From the Sikorsky S-92 to the Leonardo AW101, these are the most advanced rescue helicopters globally, built for rescue missions. Designed for speed, strength, and precision, they handle everything from mountain rescues to disaster relief, and vital in saving lives across land, sea, and air.

10 most advanced rescue helicopters and their lift capacity

Nepal has announced a ban on helicopter rides from Mount Everest. The decision is part of efforts to reduce environmental impact and manage increasing air traffic in the region, particularly in the Everest area, which has seen a rise in tourism and air-based services in recent years. The ban aims to preserve the area's natural beauty and ecological balance while improving safety and reducing congestion.

Nepal Suspends Helicopters In Everest Region After Protests

A Chinese fighter jet has allegedly dropped flares above an Australian helicopter. The incident took place in the international airspace above the Yellow Sea over the weekend. Canberra says the Chinese fighter jet also dropped flares in front of the Seahawk helicopter.

Gravitas | Chinese fighter jet fires flares above Australia Seahawk helicopter

In a major boost to ‘Make in India’, Airbus Helicopters has announced that it is partnering with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in the country. The FAL will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and export to some of the neighbouring countries.

Tata-Airbus partnership in focus

Two US Army Black Hawk helicopters crashed during a routine training operation in the southeastern state of Kentucky on Wednesday, Governor Andy Beshear informed. Local media reports mentioned that at least nine soldiers were killed.&nbsp;

The army crew members of the 101st Airborne Division were flying two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters around 10:00 PM ET (0200 GMT)&nbsp;in Kentucky's Trigg County airbase, located on the&nbsp;Kentucky-Tennessee border&nbsp;when the accident transpired.&nbsp;

"At approximately 10 p.m. yesterday, two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) helicopters crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky. The crewmembers were flying two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred," US Army Fort Campbell said in a statement.&nbsp;

It added that the "status of the crew members" was&nbsp;unknown at the&nbsp;time. "The command is currently focused on caring for the service members and their families. More information will be released as it becomes available. The incident is under investigation."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-operatives-attempt-to-fly-us-helicopters-three-get-killed-in-a-crash-515052">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Taliban fighters try to fly US Black Hawk helicopter, three get killed in crash</a>&nbsp;

According to local witnesses, the two choppers came incredibly low to the ground and after passing over some civilian houses, a loud bang was heard. The exact cause of the crash is not known.&nbsp;

“The status of the crew members are unknown at this time. The command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families,” the statement added.&nbsp;

"We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. @kystatepolice, @KentuckyEM and local officials are responding. We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected," tweeted Beshar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. <a href="https://twitter.com/kystatepolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kystatepolice</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyEM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KentuckyEM</a> and local officials are responding. We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovAndyBeshear/status/1641302697851736067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Local reports have stated&nbsp;that the US military's Safety Investigation Team from the Combat Readiness Centre in Alabama will be dispatching its representatives to the scene to ascertain the cause of the crash.&nbsp;

The weather conditions at the time of the crash were pristine with light to no wind.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Two US Army Black Hawk helicopters crashed during a routine training operation in the southeastern state of Kentucky on Wednesday, Governor Andy Beshear informed.

Two US Army Black Hawk helicopters crashed during a routine training operation in the southeastern state of Kentucky on Wednesday, Governor Andy Beshear informed. Local media reports mentioned that at least nine soldiers were killed. The army crew members of the 101st Airborne Division were flying two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters around 10:00 PM ET (0200 GMT) in Kentucky's Trigg County airbase, located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border when the accident transpired. "At approximately 10 p.m. yesterday, two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) helicopters crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky. The crewmembers were flying two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred," US Army Fort Campbell said in a statement. It added that the "status of the crew members" was unknown at the time. "The command is currently focused on caring for the service members and their families. More information will be released as it becomes available. The incident is under investigation." ALSO READ | Taliban fighters try to fly US Black Hawk helicopter, three get killed in crash According to local witnesses, the two choppers came incredibly low to the ground and after passing over some civilian houses, a loud bang was heard. The exact cause of the crash is not known. “The status of the crew members are unknown at this time. The command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families,” the statement added. "We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. @kystatepolice, @KentuckyEM and local officials are responding. We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected," tweeted Beshar. We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. @kystatepolice, @KentuckyEM and local officials are responding. We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected. — Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) March 30, 2023 × Local reports have stated that the US military's Safety Investigation Team from the Combat Readiness Centre in Alabama will be dispatching its representatives to the scene to ascertain the cause of the crash. The weather conditions at the time of the crash were pristine with light to no wind. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Nine soldiers feared dead as two US army helicopters crash during training in Kentucky

Taliban says it has repaired over 70 destroyed planes and helicopters. These aircraft were abandoned by American and Afghan forces. But who helped the Taliban get these complicated machines working? Listen in to Molly Gambhir.

Gravitas: Who helped Taliban repair the abandoned American aircraft?

Footage provided by the U.S. Department of Defense shows people being lifted into helicopters, after being stranded by Hurricane Ian at Sanibel Island, Florida.

Florida: Helicopters rescue people stranded after Hurricane Ian

Israel has signed a deal with the United States to buy 12 Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) CH-53K helicopters and two Boeing Co (BA.N) KC-46 refuelling planes, the Israeli Defence Ministry said on Friday, estimating the total price at around $3.1 billion.The deal, signed on Thursday, is part of an upgrade of Israel's air force capabilities and includes an option to buy six additional helicopters.

Israel signs deal with US to buy helicopters to upgrade capabilities of its air force

In a first, two women officers have been selected to join as ''Observers'' (Airborne Tacticians) in the Indian Navy's helicopter stream that would ultimately pave the way for women being posted in frontline warships.

Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Kumudini Tyagi and SLt Riti Singh would, in effect, be the first set of women airborne tacticians in India who would operate from the deck of warships.

Earlier, entry of women was restricted to the fixed-wing aircrafts that took off and landed ashore.

The two are a part of a group of 17 officers of the Navy, including four women officers and three officers of the Indian Coast Guard, who were awarded ''Wings'' on graduating as ''Observers'' at a ceremony on Monday at the INS Garuda in Kochi, a Defence statement said. The group comprised 13 officers of Regular batch and four woman officers of Short Service Commission batch.

The ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Antony George, Chief Staff Officer (Training) who presented the awards and coveted wings to the graduating officers.

In addition, the chief guest also awarded the Instructor Badge to six other officers, (five from the Indian Navy including a woman and another from Indian Coast Guard) who had successfully graduated as Qualified Navigation Instructors (QNI).

The Rear Admiral Antony highlighted the fact that it was a landmark occasion wherein for the first time, women are going to be trained in helicopter operations which would ultimately pave way for the deployment of women in frontline warships of Indian Navy.

The officers of the 91st Regular course and 22nd SSC Observer course were trained in air navigation, flying procedures, tactics employed in air warfare, anti- submarine warfare and exploitation of airborne avionic systems.

These officers would serve on-board Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, the statement said.

In a first, two women officers have been selected to join as ''Observers'' (Airborne Tacticians) in the Indian Navy's helicopter stream that would ultimately pave the way for women being posted in frontline warships.

In a first, two women officers have been selected to join as ''Observers'' (Airborne Tacticians) in the Indian Navy's helicopter stream that would ultimately pave the way for women being posted in frontline warships. Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Kumudini Tyagi and SLt Riti Singh would, in effect, be the first set of women airborne tacticians in India who would operate from the deck of warships. Earlier, entry of women was restricted to the fixed-wing aircrafts that took off and landed ashore. The two are a part of a group of 17 officers of the Navy, including four women officers and three officers of the Indian Coast Guard, who were awarded ''Wings'' on graduating as ''Observers'' at a ceremony on Monday at the INS Garuda in Kochi, a Defence statement said. The group comprised 13 officers of Regular batch and four woman officers of Short Service Commission batch. The ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Antony George, Chief Staff Officer (Training) who presented the awards and coveted wings to the graduating officers. In addition, the chief guest also awarded the Instructor Badge to six other officers, (five from the Indian Navy including a woman and another from Indian Coast Guard) who had successfully graduated as Qualified Navigation Instructors (QNI). The Rear Admiral Antony highlighted the fact that it was a landmark occasion wherein for the first time, women are going to be trained in helicopter operations which would ultimately pave way for the deployment of women in frontline warships of Indian Navy. The officers of the 91st Regular course and 22nd SSC Observer course were trained in air navigation, flying procedures, tactics employed in air warfare, anti- submarine warfare and exploitation of airborne avionic systems. These officers would serve on-board Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, the statement said.

In a historic first, two women officers to operate helicopters from Indian Navy warships 

Why India's forces are adopting 'grey zone warfare' as an art of war

As part of the rescue efforts in Australia in the aftermath of Australian bushfires, the New South Wales (NWS) government has found a new way to ensure the animals that are seeking shelter remain fed.

CNN reported that the operation, known as "Operation Rock Wallaby'' is part of a post-fire wildlife recovery programme, as iterated by Matt Kean, the Minister of Energy and Environment.

"The provision of supplementary food is one of the key strategies we are deploying to promote the survival and recovery of endangered species like the brush-tailed rock-wallaby," Kean said.&nbsp;

Officials claim that over 1,000 kilograms worth of sweet potatoes and carrots have been dropped in the last week.

"Initial fire assessments indicate the habitat of several important brush-tailed rock-wallaby populations was burnt in the recent bushfires. The wallabies typically survive the fire itself, but are then left stranded with limited natural food as the fire takes out the vegetation around their rocky habitat", Kean added.

<h6><img alt="bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ad07dd2-b7b5-42f7-8009-d0575926fcca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_48.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;This photo taken on January 9, 2020 shows a rescued kangaroo being cared for by volunteers of wildlife rescue group WIRES, who are working to save and rehabilitate animals from the months-long bushfire disaster, on the outskirts of Sydney | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The key target of this drop is the brush-tailed rock wallabies. These are marsupials, like kangaroos that live on ''rocky escarpments, granite outcrops, and cliffs'', as per the Australian Department of Environment and Energy.&nbsp;

Department data added that out of the 15 species in Australia, many can no longer be seen and are now perceived as threatened. They are endangered in New South Wales.

Nearly hundreds of bushfires in Australia have wiped out livelihoods, animals, and infrastructure. The fires were brought under control only very recently. 
 
Kean said, "When we can, we are also setting up cameras to monitor the uptake of the food and the number and variety of animals there."

Over half a billion animals have been affected by the bushfire damage in New South Wales alone.

According to the University of Sydney, millions of animals could be possibly dead. These include birds, reptiles and mammals.

CNN reported that the total number of animals affected by the wildfire damage could be as high as a billion, according to Christopher Dickman, an ecologist at the University of Sydney.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca51075c-d1d2-4739-a4bf-53a181861be9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_37.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;This photo taken on January 16, 2020 shows an Australian Defence Force helicopter taking off on Kangaroo Island as part of the deployment of 3,000 soldiers to assist in bushfire-affected areas after they ravaged the island off of the south coast of Australia | AFP</h6>

The NWS government is planning to continue dropping food until the natural supply of resources like food and water is restored organically.&nbsp;

In the Australian east coast, thunderstorms are now ravaging the disastrous remains of the bushfires. At one point, there were more than 100 bushfires in the country alone, which were recently brought under control.

International response to the bushfire crisis has contributed to controlling the mega blaze. Recently, specialists from countries like Japan and the United States joined local fire teams to help control the fire.

The Defence Force of New Zealand recently announced the dispatch of more reinforcements from to Australia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-bushfires-unprecedented-rain-floods-parts-of-australian-east-coast-274966">After bushfires, unprecedented rain floods parts of Australian east coast</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

As part of the rescue efforts in Australia in the aftermath of Australian bushfires, the New South Wales (NWS) government has found a new way to ensure the animals that are seeking shelter remain fed.

As part of the rescue efforts in Australia in the aftermath of Australian bushfires, the New South Wales (NWS) government has found a new way to ensure the animals that are seeking shelter remain fed. CNN reported that the operation, known as "Operation Rock Wallaby'' is part of a post-fire wildlife recovery programme, as iterated by Matt Kean, the Minister of Energy and Environment. "The provision of supplementary food is one of the key strategies we are deploying to promote the survival and recovery of endangered species like the brush-tailed rock-wallaby," Kean said. Officials claim that over 1,000 kilograms worth of sweet potatoes and carrots have been dropped in the last week. "Initial fire assessments indicate the habitat of several important brush-tailed rock-wallaby populations was burnt in the recent bushfires. The wallabies typically survive the fire itself, but are then left stranded with limited natural food as the fire takes out the vegetation around their rocky habitat", Kean added. Image: This photo taken on January 9, 2020 shows a rescued kangaroo being cared for by volunteers of wildlife rescue group WIRES, who are working to save and rehabilitate animals from the months-long bushfire disaster, on the outskirts of Sydney | AFP The key target of this drop is the brush-tailed rock wallabies. These are marsupials, like kangaroos that live on ''rocky escarpments, granite outcrops, and cliffs'', as per the Australian Department of Environment and Energy. Department data added that out of the 15 species in Australia, many can no longer be seen and are now perceived as threatened. They are endangered in New South Wales. Nearly hundreds of bushfires in Australia have wiped out livelihoods, animals, and infrastructure. The fires were brought under control only very recently. Kean said, "When we can, we are also setting up cameras to monitor the uptake of the food and the number and variety of animals there." Over half a billion animals have been affected by the bushfire damage in New South Wales alone. According to the University of Sydney, millions of animals could be possibly dead. These include birds, reptiles and mammals. CNN reported that the total number of animals affected by the wildfire damage could be as high as a billion, according to Christopher Dickman, an ecologist at the University of Sydney. Image: This photo taken on January 16, 2020 shows an Australian Defence Force helicopter taking off on Kangaroo Island as part of the deployment of 3,000 soldiers to assist in bushfire-affected areas after they ravaged the island off of the south coast of Australia | AFP The NWS government is planning to continue dropping food until the natural supply of resources like food and water is restored organically. In the Australian east coast, thunderstorms are now ravaging the disastrous remains of the bushfires. At one point, there were more than 100 bushfires in the country alone, which were recently brought under control. International response to the bushfire crisis has contributed to controlling the mega blaze. Recently, specialists from countries like Japan and the United States joined local fire teams to help control the fire. The Defence Force of New Zealand recently announced the dispatch of more reinforcements from to Australia. Also read: After bushfires, unprecedented rain floods parts of Australian east coast (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Authorities dropping food from helicopters to feed bushfire-ravaged animals

The Red Arrows kicked off their flying season in the UK on Saturday. Thousands of people flocked to the Torbay Airshow to watch theirs and other air displays, including a Battle of Britain memorial show, parachutists and helicopters.

Red Arrows among highlights at Torbay airshow

China's military has conducted live-fire drills along the southeast coastline, state television reported, but it was unclear if these were the same exercises that had been flagged as taking place in the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

The government had said the drills would happen on Wednesday off the city of Quanzhou, in between two groups of islands close to China's coast but that Taiwan has controlled since 1949 when defeated Nationalist forces fled to the island at the end of the Chinese civil war.

Chinese state media has said the drills were a direct response to "provocations" by Taiwan leaders related to what China fears are moves to push for the self-ruled island's formal independence. China claims Taiwan as its sacred territory.

Late on Wednesday, Chinese state television showed footage of helicopters firing missiles during an exercise it said was happening on China's southeast coast.

State television only showed pictures of helicopters, with no mention of ships or other military equipment such as tanks or amphibious assault vehicles.

The exercises took place from 8 am&nbsp(0000GMT) until midnight, the report said, giving the same time frame for the previously announced drills in the Taiwan Strait.

The Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the exercise, and whether it was the same ones previously reported to be happening in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan on Wednesday denounced the exercises, saying Beijing was using "cheap verbal intimidation and sabre rattling" to threaten the island.

Taiwan is one of China's most sensitive issues and a potential military flashpoint. China has ramped up military exercises around Taiwan in the past year, including flying bombers around the island.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday afternoon two Chinese H-6K bombers had flown around the island, passing first through the Miyako Strait to Taiwan's northeast and then back to base via the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines.

The latest Chinese military movements come during a time of heightened tension between Beijing and the island and follows strong warnings by Chinese President Xi Jinping against Taiwan separatism last month.

China claims Taiwan as its own and considers it a breakaway province.

China's hostility towards Taiwan has grown since Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party won a presidential election on the island in 2016.

China fears she wants to push for the island's formal independence. Tsai says she is committed to peace and maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, but will defend Taiwan's security.

Setting aside the tension with China, Tsai began a visit to the southern African nation of Swaziland on Wednesday, one of only 20 countries which maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

The exercises took place from 8 am (0000GMT) until midnight, state media said, giving the same time frame for previously announced drills in the Taiwan Strait

China's military has conducted live-fire drills along the southeast coastline, state television reported, but it was unclear if these were the same exercises that had been flagged as taking place in the sensitive Taiwan Strait. The government had said the drills would happen on Wednesday off the city of Quanzhou, in between two groups of islands close to China's coast but that Taiwan has controlled since 1949 when defeated Nationalist forces fled to the island at the end of the Chinese civil war. Chinese state media has said the drills were a direct response to "provocations" by Taiwan leaders related to what China fears are moves to push for the self-ruled island's formal independence. China claims Taiwan as its sacred territory. Late on Wednesday, Chinese state television showed footage of helicopters firing missiles during an exercise it said was happening on China's southeast coast. State television only showed pictures of helicopters, with no mention of ships or other military equipment such as tanks or amphibious assault vehicles. The exercises took place from 8 am (0000GMT) until midnight, the report said, giving the same time frame for the previously announced drills in the Taiwan Strait. The Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the exercise, and whether it was the same ones previously reported to be happening in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan on Wednesday denounced the exercises, saying Beijing was using "cheap verbal intimidation and sabre rattling" to threaten the island. Taiwan is one of China's most sensitive issues and a potential military flashpoint. China has ramped up military exercises around Taiwan in the past year, including flying bombers around the island. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday afternoon two Chinese H-6K bombers had flown around the island, passing first through the Miyako Strait to Taiwan's northeast and then back to base via the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines. The latest Chinese military movements come during a time of heightened tension between Beijing and the island and follows strong warnings by Chinese President Xi Jinping against Taiwan separatism last month. China claims Taiwan as its own and considers it a breakaway province. China's hostility towards Taiwan has grown since Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party won a presidential election on the island in 2016. China fears she wants to push for the island's formal independence. Tsai says she is committed to peace and maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, but will defend Taiwan's security. Setting aside the tension with China, Tsai began a visit to the southern African nation of Swaziland on Wednesday, one of only 20 countries which maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

China carries out live-fire drills, unclear if aimed at Taiwan

Canada will send helicopters and support troops to join a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali, government officials said on Monday, though they gave few details on timing or numbers.

The government said in a statement that Canada&#39;s involvement in Mali would last for 12 months. The country&#39;s contribution will include both Chinook helicopters for transport and logistics and Griffon helicopters to provide armed escort and protection.

Shortly after coming to power in late 2015, the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated it would send up to 600 troops to Mali, where UN&nbsp;peacekeepers are fighting Islamist militants.

Ottawa later put the plans on hold amid fears of casualties, angering allies who said they felt let down. More than 80 people deployed through the UN&nbsp;have been killed in Mali since 2013, making it the world&#39;s deadliest peacekeeping operation.

Earlier this month four UN&nbsp;peacekeepers were killed by a roadside bomb in central Mali. 
&nbsp;

The government said in a statement that Canada`s involvement in Mali would last for 12 months

Canada will send helicopters and support troops to join a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali, government officials said on Monday, though they gave few details on timing or numbers. The government said in a statement that Canada's involvement in Mali would last for 12 months. The country's contribution will include both Chinook helicopters for transport and logistics and Griffon helicopters to provide armed escort and protection. Shortly after coming to power in late 2015, the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated it would send up to 600 troops to Mali, where UN peacekeepers are fighting Islamist militants. Ottawa later put the plans on hold amid fears of casualties, angering allies who said they felt let down. More than 80 people deployed through the UN have been killed in Mali since 2013, making it the world's deadliest peacekeeping operation. Earlier this month four UN peacekeepers were killed by a roadside bomb in central Mali.

Canada to send helicopters, troops to aid UN's Mali mission

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