PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – North American Aerospace Defense Command regions are conducting synchronized flights this week throughout the Alaskan, Canadian, and Continental U.S. NORAD regions.
NORAD fighters, tankers, and airborne early warning aircraft from the three regions will participate in flights throughout Canada and the United States.
“The defense of North America is NORAD’s top priority,” said General Terrence O’Shaughnessy, NORAD Commander. “NORAD aircraft and forces are on alert every day ready to defend Canada and the United States from air threats. Conducting air defense operations and exercises demonstrates NORAD’s capability and resolve.”
To test responses, systems and equipment, NORAD routinely conducts operations and exercises with a variety of scenarios. All NORAD operations and exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled, drawing on aircraft and personnel from the United States and Canada.
NORAD is a bi-national command focused on the defense of both the United States and Canada. NORAD’s response to potential aerospace threats does not distinguish between the two nations and draws on forces from both countries.