Canada Increases Helicopter Capabilities in Afghanistan

OTTAWA, Ontario --- The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced that eight CH-146 Griffon helicopters will be deployed to Afghanistan in early 2009 as part of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTFA) Air Wing. The helicopters, with crews from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Edmonton, Alberta, will act as escort aircraft for the recently acquired CH-147 D Chinook helicopters. The deployment of the Griffon helicopters directly supports Canadas commitment to meet the conditions set forth by the Independent Panel on Canadas Future Role in Afghanistan.>> The deployment of the Griffons in conjunction with the Chinooks displays our commitment to the men and women of the Canadian Forces (CF) while ensuring the security and effectiveness of the mission, said Minister MacKay. We are proud of the work completed by all government departments to meet the February 2009 conditions established by the parliamentary motion.>> The Air Wing will be composed of CH-147 D Chinook medium-to-heavy lift helicopters, Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and CH-146 Griffon helicopters.>> The transportation capability provided by the CH-147 D Chinook helicopters, the escort capabilities of the CH-146 Griffon helicopter and the intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance provided by the Heron UAV will contribute to the reduction of risk to Canadian troops and government employees from ambushes, land mines and improvised explosive devices. These assets will all be deployed to Afghanistan by February 2009.