The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is set to carry out training and equipment evaluation near Kananaskis on either Monday, December 9, or, if needed, December 10. This drill will involve CF-18 Hornet fighter jets and CH-146 Griffon helicopters from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), along with a United States Air Force (USAF) […]
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is set to carry out training and equipment evaluation near Kananaskis on either Monday, December 9, or, if needed, December 10.
This drill will involve CF-18 Hornet fighter jets and CH-146 Griffon helicopters from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), along with a United States Air Force (USAF) KC-135 refueling aircraft.
Should circumstances involving weather or operational demands arise, the event may be moved to December 10.
“Throughout the day, the general public might observe and hear these aircraft as the CH-146 Griffons operate at lower altitudes, while the CF-18 Hornets and KC-135 fly at elevated altitudes,” notes a statement from Lt. Elise De Garie, public affairs representative for Canadian NORAD Region Headquarters. “As part of this training, these NORAD-assigned aircraft could be spotted near civilian aircraft under contract and may be seen overhead at local airports.”
The aviation units will collaborate with the Canadian Air Defence Sector at 22 Wing North Bay, Ontario, and civilian air traffic management to rehearse airborne threat response operations.
This training exercise has been designed in close partnership with NAV CANADA and is taking place under Operation Noble Eagle, which encompasses all air sovereignty and defense missions across North America.
“Protecting North America remains NORAD’s highest priority, and to evaluate responses, systems, and equipment, NORAD frequently engages in exercises throughout the year, simulating various scenarios such as airspace violations, hijackings, and reactions to unidentified aircraft,” the release indicates.
