WINNIPEG, Manitoba – This afternoon between 1-3 p.m. PDT, North American Aerospace Defense Command CF-18 Hornet fighter jets will conduct planned training in airspace over southern British Columbia, including Vancouver Island.
The fighters will be working with the Canadian Air Defence Sector at 22 Wing North Bay, Ontario, and civilian air traffic control in the Vancouver area to practice response procedures. Aircraft will operate at a high altitude, but may be visible to the public at times. This may include contracted military- and civilian-looking aircraft being intercepted or escorted by CF-18 Hornets. The portions of the training that may be visible will take place along the southeastern coastline of Vancouver Island, and south of Williams Lake.
To test responses, systems and equipment, NORAD routinely conducts air defense exercises using a variety of scenarios, including airspace restriction violations, hijackings and responding to unknown aircraft. All NORAD exercises are carefully planned and are closely controlled. This particular training exercise was developed in coordination with NAV Canada.
The defense of Canada and the United States is NORAD’s top priority. Operation NOBLE EAGLE is the name given to air sovereignty and air defense missions in North America. For 65 years, NORAD aircraft have identified and intercepted potential air threats to North America in the execution of the command’s aerospace warning and aerospace control missions.
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Links
North American Aerospace Defense Command
Royal Canadian Air Force
Contacts
David Lavallee
Public Affairs Officer
Canadian NORAD Region
Phone: (204) 833-2500 ext. 6785
Cell : (204) 291-0320
E-mail: david.lavallee2@forces.gc.ca