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A CH-146 Griffon helicopter prepares to land near Erbil, Iraq, on March 2, 2017. The helicopter is part Joint Task Force-Iraqs Tactical Aviation Detachment, Operation IMPACT.

A tactical helicopter squadron based in Edmonton departed for northern Iraq on Monday.

Sixty members of the Royal Canadian Air Forces (CAF) 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, based at the 3rd Canadian Division Support Base in Edmonton, are assuming duties to fight ISISas part of Operation IMPACT.

READ MORE:Canadian troops in Iraq mount pressure on ISIS around Syrian border

Squadron members will fly and maintain up to four CH-146 Griffon helicopters, which provide tactical transport for Canadian troops and material near Erbil, Iraq.

We provide air power that integrates with and supports our CAF and coalition partners. The tactical helicopter detachment is a crucial component of this commitment, Major-General Christian Drouin, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division, said.

430 Squadron has done a tremendous job over the past few months, maintaining a level of excellence that I know 408 Squadron will continue.

READ MORE:Canadian special forces taking more active role in Iraq as Liberals extend ISIS mission

The CH-146 Griffon helicopters have an array of self-defence systems.

2017Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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Edmonton-based Royal Canadian Air Force squadron deployed to Iraq - Globalnews.ca