Surveillance plane crews strained after three years flying over Iraq, Syria
OTTAWA — The Canadian military is hoping the recent withdrawal of one of its Aurora surveillance planes from the fight against the Islamic State will help ease what had become a serious strain on the fleet’s aircrews.
Two Auroras were deployed to the Middle East as part of Canada’s response to ISIL in November 2014, along with dozens of special forces troops, six fighter jets and a refuelling plane.
Using high-powered cameras and sensors, the Auroras gathered data about possible ISIL targets for attacks and air strikes in Iraq and then, after the mission was expanded, inside Syria.
The planes have flown a total of 821 reconnaissance missions since first arriving at their base in Kuwait, with both Canadian and coalition commanders praising their role in the fight against ISIL.