Canadian fighters get ready for NATO deployment to Romania

Members of the airfield activation team board a Canadian CC-177 Globemaster aircraft that takes them to Constanta, Romania, where they prepare the arrival of the CF-188 Hornet fighters scheduled to continue NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission in early September. Photo by Soldat Mylène Bissonnette, Canadian Armed Forces

17 AUG 2017

CONSTANTA, Romania – The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is sending approximately 135 CAF personnel and four CF-188 Hornets to Constanta, Romania, to participate in NATO’s enhanced Air Policing from September to December 2017.

This mission is part of Canada’s contribution to NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures. Canada’s Air Task Force Romania will augment the Romanian Air Force’s air policing capabilities.

NATO’s 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 aggression against NATO Allies.

“The Canadian Armed Forces is committed to the principle of collective defence of the Alliance, which is at the very heart of NATO’s founding treaty,” says Lieutenant-General Steve Bowes, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command. “Our military personnel are well-trained and committed to contribute to NATO’s enhanced Air Policing.”

Canada’s deployment in support of NATO assurance measures underscores an enduring transatlantic bond, Allied solidarity and interoperability of our capable and adaptive forces.