A primer to Canada’s combat mission
On Friday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a combat mission for Canada in Iraq. Here’s what you need to know:
Q: What can Canadian Forces personnel and aircraft realistically do?
A: Harper says Canada’s military will “significantly degrade” the capabilities of Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. CF-18s will be used to attack Islamic State gunmen, vehicles and other military equipment. But finding those targets may be difficult. Islamic State leaders have changed tactics in the wake of the U.S.-led bombing campaign, dispersing their forces and working in smaller units. Aurora aircraft can be used to search for ground targets as well as report back on the success of coalition attacks. The government says it will also provide one CC150 Polaris and one dedicated airlift aircraft to enhance the refuelling, air surveillance and transportation capacity of coalition members.
Q: Will air attacks defeat Islamic State?
A: Few experts think so, but they will help prevent Islamic State forces from massing for attacks on the Iraqi army and Kurdish troops. John Allen, the retired U.S. general co-ordinating the international campaign against Islamic State militants, has suggested the extremist group will be defeated when the Iraqi tribes supporting it turn against the extremist organization.
Q: What are the risks to Canada’s aircrew?
A: While Islamic State is believed to have portable surface-to-air missile systems, so far there have been no reports of them being fired. Military analysts believe the risk to CF-18 and other pilots is low because of coalition tactical ability and anti-missile systems on the aircraft. Islamic State also has anti-aircraft guns. One of those batteries was able to hit at least one U.S. aircraft. That damaged F-15 fighter jet was forced to land in Turkey.
Q: What will the Canadian mission cost?
A: The Department of National Defence has provided estimates to the Conservative government but these aren’t public. The Pentagon has told the American public the war is costing the nation between $7 million US and $10 million a day.
Q: What do we know about costs of air campaigns?
A: CF-18s cost $16,750 per hour to operate, including fuel and aircraft maintenance. Conservative MP Laurie Hawn has said the cost of operating the CF-18, when salaries and other items are included, is around $40,000 an hour. The Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) dropped by CF-18s during the Libya war cost around $25,000 each.
Q: How long will the mission last?
A: Harper says the Canadian mission will last up to six months. But British Prime Minister David Cameron has warned the international effort to combat Islamic State will “take not just months, but years.”
Q: How many Canadian personnel will be involved?
A: The government says 600 aircrew and other personnel.
Q: What else is Canada doing?
A: The deployment of 26 Canadian special forces in northern Iraq has been extended. Canada has committed $28 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq this year. Some of the money is also going to help Syrian refugees. Another $5 million will be spent to limit the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq and Syria. Canada will provide $10 million for helmets, body armour and logistics support vehicles for Iraqi and Kurdish forces.