The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has this week been conducting fighter training in the High Arctic with CF-18 Hornet fighters.
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Press Release, Winnipeg, 21 January 2021: From January 18 to 20, 2021, as part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ ongoing commitment to an enduring presence in the furthest reaches of the Arctic, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) conducted High Arctic air training involving two CF-18 Hornet fighters and one CC-150T Polaris air-to-air refuelling aircraft operating from Iqaluit, Nunavut.
The training saw CF-18 fighter jets from Bagotville, Quebec rendezvous with a CC-150T Polaris air-to-air refueller over Baffin Bay where they successfully conducted air-to-air refuelling before continuing North for the remainder of the mission conducting an Arctic patrol up the North-East side of Baffin Island, in the vicinity of Nanisivik, Nunavut.
Training like this demonstrates the RCAF’s ability to operate in the High Arctic. It enhances the RCAF’s ongoing support to operations and exercises, and showcases the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to project force into the region so that we can work cooperatively with our partners.
Major-General Eric Kenny, Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division, stated: “The Arctic is a fundamental part of Canada and this type of training strengthens situational awareness and information sharing with our Arctic partners and Allies while enhancing our agility and reach into Canada’s northernmost territories. This training ensures the RCAF remains strong at home, in line with Canada’s Defence Policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged.”
- Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet is Canada’s air defence fighter and is a key participant in air defence exercises and operations domestically and around the world; ensuring air sovereignty as part of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) or working with our NATO allies to provide Air Policing in Romania under Operation REASSURANCE.
- Royal Canadian Air Force’s CC-150T Polaris air-to-air refuellers support Canadian Armed Forces strategic airlift and air-to-air refuelling roles for domestic and overseas operations, as well as for NORAD, including Arctic operations.
[Images Crown Copyright: DND/CAF]
