Germany, which Canada will be replacing in Mali, deployed four NH90 transport helicopters to make sure it had two operational on a daily basis. The role of the Griffons will be to escort and defend the Chinooks, not protect ground troops. El Salvador to provide firepowerInstead, El Salvador will provide ground troops with aerial cover. The UN would also like Canada to allow the Griffons to do double-duty as light transport helicopters, with El Salvador providing the escort. Canada's Griffon helicopters are armed, but the will not be in Mali to protect ground troops as helicopters sent by other countries have.

Source: CBC News April 24, 2018 08:04 UTC