By Canadian Press

Canada not sending fighter jets to Europe next year as Air Force rearms, regroups

Dec 14, 2022 | 11:58 AM

OTTAWA — Canada will not send fighter jets to patrol NATO airspace next year, the first time that Canadian CF-18s will be absent from the skies over Europe since 2017.

Based out of Romania, the CF-18s worked with other NATO aircraft to monitor Russian activity over the Baltics and the Black Sea, and protect against any aggressive action.

The most recent rotation ended on Dec. 1, when six CF-18s returned home from Romania following a four-month deployment in which they flew nearly 500 sorties.

Defence Department spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier says there is no plan to return next year.

That’s because the Royal Canadian Air Force is focused on upgrading its fighter jets to keep them flying, as well as training new and existing pilots and technicians. 

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

18h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Canada also currently doesn’t have any warships working with NATO for the first time since 2014, though Le Bouthillier says a frigate is scheduled to head to the region in February. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 14, 2022.

The Canadian Press