Canada Deploys CP-140 Aurora Aircraft to Japan to Support Implementation of Sanctions Against North Korea
News release
April 6, 2023 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, announced the deployment of a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora Air Detachment under Operation (Op) NEON, to Japan. Op NEON is the Canadian Armed Forces contribution to the multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions imposed against North Korea. As part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, this deployment demonstrates Canada’s unwavering commitment to promote peace and strengthen stability in the region.
For a period of approximately six weeks, the CP-140 Aurora will monitor for suspected maritime sanctions evasion activities, in particular ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and other commodities banned by the UNSC.
This deployment underscores the value that Canada places on the security of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the importance of upholding UNSC sanctions on North Korea. These contributions to regional peace, resilience, and security continue to demonstrate Canada’s commitment to the rules-based international order.
HMCS Montréal, with its embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, is also en route to the Indo-Pacific region, where it will support both Op NEON and Op PROJECTION – Canada’s ongoing naval forward presence operation in the Indo-Pacific.
Quotes
“The Indo-Pacific Region is crucial to global security – and through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we will continue to strengthen our partnerships with our friends in the region. Together, we are promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, and protecting the international rules that keep us all safe. I thank Japan, one of Canada’s most important defence partners in the Indo-Pacific region, for this strong relationship based on shared values, economic links, and people-to-people ties.”
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
“Working closely with our partners in the Indo-Pacific has never been more important than it is today and the Canadian Armed Forces have a central role to play in delivering valuable, tangible, high-impact initiatives in the region. The deployment of this Royal Canadian Air Force Air Detachment to the Indo-Pacific will deliver robust capabilities in working with our partners to strengthen international cooperation and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander RCAF
Quick facts
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Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, released in November 2022, puts forward an ambitious, comprehensive, and integrated policy framework for Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region.
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The series of UN sanctions, adopted between 2006 and 2017, aim to pressure North Korea to abandon its weapons of mass destruction programs and respond to North Korean nuclear weapon tests and ballistic missile launches.
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In March 2023, the Government of Canada renewed Operation NEON to April 2026.
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The RCAF CP-140 Aurora Air Detachment consists of approximately 40 personnel, including aircrew, technicians, and other mission specialists. With a range of 7,400 km and equipped with advanced sensors the CP-140 Aurora is a pre-eminent Long Range Patrol aircraft well-suited to Operation NEON.
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RCAF aircrew are well prepared to operate in the Indo-Pacific airspace and have undergone key training as part of the CAF’s commitment to safe and professional operations in international airspace.
Associated links
Contacts
Daniel Minden
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: daniel.minden@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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