Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 Hornet fighter jets will deploy to the Netherlands from March 22 to April 15 for simulated air combat training alongside NATO Allies at the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF) annual Exercise FRISIAN FLAG 22. The exercise will take place from March 28 to April 8.
Canada’s participation will consist of six CF-18 Hornet fighter jets and approximately 130 personnel, mainly from 433 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing Bagotville, Québec. Air forces from NATO Allies are also participating.
RCAF members will exercise the planning and execution of a variety of tactical fighter combat operations, including counter-air operations (both offensive and defensive), engaging ground targets, and providing close air support to troops on the ground.
FRISIAN FLAG is an annual exercise, and Canada’s participation has been long planned as part of the RCAF’s ongoing annual readiness training program. Exercises like FRISIAN FLAG are important tools through which the RCAF and our NATO Allies test and validate concepts, procedures, systems and tactics, and practice working together efficiently in demanding scenarios.
Quotes
“Ensuring the readiness of the Royal Canadian Air Force to counter any threat is one of our most important responsibilities. Exercises like FRISIAN FLAG provide highly valuable training not only for our members, but also those of our Allies, to practice working together at all levels – including command, air crew, ground crew and support personnel – in a wide variety of tactical combat scenarios that they could face on real world operations. Recognizing the current security environment, this training is of particular importance for the Royal Canadian Air Force.”
Major-General Eric J. Kenny, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region/Joint Force Air Component/Search and Rescue Region Trenton
Quick Facts
- Forces participating in Exercise FRISIAN FLAG 22 will be based out of Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands.
- The rationale for planning and executing military exercises is to prepare commands and forces for operations in times of peace, crisis and conflict.
- NATO exercises are planned in advance and vary in scope, duration and form, ranging from live exercises in the field to computer-assisted exercises that take place in a classroom.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
