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.
