CANADIAN HORNETS TO BE DEPLOYED IN ROMANIA UNDER NATO AIR POLICING MISSION

Canadian Hornets to be deployed in Romania under NATO Air Policing Mission.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is sending approximately 135 CAF personnel and five CF-188 Hornets to Constanta, Romania, to participate in NATO enhanced Air Policing mission from September to December 2018.

This mission is part of Canada’s contribution to NATO's assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. During this deployment, the CF-18 Hornets will fly and train alongside the Romanian Air Force’s air policing capabilities. The augmentation by other Allies under NATO enhanced Air Policing sends a signal of Allied solidarity with NATO member Romania.

NATO enhanced Air Policing has been part of its assurance and deterrence measures since 2014. These measures demonstrate the collective resolve of Allies, the defensive nature of NATO, and help deter the threat of potential aggression against NATO Allies.

"Our highly-trained airmen and airwomen are committed to support NATO in safeguarding Allied airspace,” Lieutenant-Colonel Timothy Woods, Commander of the Canadian detachment in Romania. "Preserving the integrity of NATO airspace is a collective task, and we are dedicated to contribute in keeping the Romanian skies safe and secure.”

Canada first deployed an Air Task Force under NATO assurance measures from April to August 2014 at the Romanian Air Force 71st Air Base in Campia Turzii. During this mission, the CF-188 Hornet aircrew shared best practices with their Romanian counterparts, resulting in enhanced interoperability when securing the Alliance’s airspace. Subsequently, in 2016 and 2017, Canada deployed their CF-188 Hornets to Mihail Kogalniceanu at the Black Sea Coast under the NATO assurance measures. In 2018 they can successfully build on the already strong, established relationships with Romania and other NATO Allies and help to support regional stability.

Source: RCAF

Image: Corporal Justin Roy