Members of the CAF to deploy to Constanta Romania to be part of Op REASSURANCE

Approximately 135 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and four Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornets will be deployed to Constanta, Romania to participate in NATO enhanced Air Policing this September.

This mission, part of Operation REASSURANCE, is aimed at supporting Romanian Air Force capabilities and preserving the country’s airspace.

“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. Our military personnel are well-trained and committed to contribute to NATO enhanced Air Policing that ensures the integrity of Allies’ airspace. They are proud to work on behalf of Canadians, projecting the best of what Canada has to offer,” said LGen. Steve Bowes, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command.

Canadian soldiers deploying to Romania are mostly from 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron out of 4 Wing Cold Lake, supported by personnel from 2 Air Expeditionary Wing and 17 Wing Winnipeg.

The CAF first deployed an Air Task Force (ATF) to Romania, under Operation REASSURANCE, in 2014 at the Romanian Air Force 71st Air Base in Campia Turzii. From April to August of that year the ATF took part in multinational training opportunities that enhanced interoperability in the areas of air defence, air superiority, and tactical support missions.

“An Air Task Force is an agile and flexible organization that is always ready to employ air power and provide support wherever and whenever Canada requires. Our Air Task Force in Romania is proud to participate in the cooperative defence activities that support NATO’s enhanced Air Policing,” said LCol. Mark Hickey, Commander, Air Task Force Romania.

This CAF contingent will remain in the Romania until December.