A pivotal new piece of Canada’s border security arsenal was on display Tuesday at London International Airport. The RCMP invited the media for an up-close look at one of two Black Hawk helicopters the federal government chartered as part its $1.3-billion plan to crack down on illegal crossings and smuggling at the Canada-U.S. border. LFP reporter Dale Carruthers was there.
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WHAT IS THE BLACK HAWK?
Named after a Native American war leader, the Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine military helicopter made by Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Conn. The U.S. army began using the helicopters in 1979 for transport and they have been modified for new missions and roles over the years.
Buying a Black Hawk costs between $7 million and $25 million based on the model and modifications, but Canada is paying $5.3 million to lease the two helicopters until March 31 under a deal with an Ottawa-based company that supplies the pilots for the helicopters.
“There are significant efforts under way . . . to ensure that the Black Hawk programs continues well beyond March 31,” RCMP Chief Supt. Chris Leather said during a news conference Tuesday. “I expect it will, but those are decisions that will come from Ottawa.”
WHY IS CANADA LEASING TWO?
The Black Hawks are part of the federal government’s beefed-up border security plan first announced in December in response to concerns raised by then-incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has cited the flow into the U.S. of migrants and fentanyl – a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine – as reasons for his decision to threaten 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian imports. The tariffs were delayed for 30 days last week after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to do more to strengthen border security, including naming a fentanyl czar and designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
WHAT WILL THE BLACK HAWKS DO?
The helicopters will patrol, detect and respond to illegal crossings and smuggling along the Canada-U.S. border, the world’s longest undefended international border, with a total length of 8,891 kilometres. The Black Hawks, which will complement the RCMP’s existing fleet of nine helicopters and drones, will improve the Mounties’ rapid response and coverage capabilities.
“These helicopters are part of a broader strategy to integrate advanced technology into our operations,” Leather said. “Along with drones, these helicopter provide us with a comprehensive view of the border and improve our ability to detect and prevent illegal activity.”
ARE THE BLACK HAWKS IN USE?
The helicopters became operational Jan. 17 and are being deployed daily, but the RCMP says it can’t provide any more specifics, including where they’re based, to protect operational integrity. Last week, the Mounties in British Columbia told residents not to be alarmed if they see or hear the helicopters in action on the border with Washington, Idaho and Montana.