Canadian Armed Forces conducts an Open Skies observation flight over Ukraine

News Release

May 28, 2014 - Ottawa

Twenty-two Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel, using a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CC130J Hercules aircraft, will be conducting an aerial observation mission over Ukraine under the Treaty on Open Skies tomorrow.

Using an array of imagery systems, the CC130J can observe and verify objects of interest, such as military installations, industrial complexes, population centres and transportation facilities.

The CAF team will be conducting this observation flight jointly with the United States with participation from France and Estonia. Ukrainian Open Skies representatives will also be on the CC130J aircraft throughout the mission as observers.

Quick Facts

The Treaty on Open Skies, which entered-into-effect on January 1, 2002, allows for increased confidence and transparency amongst its 34 State parties. Canada has exercised its Treaty rights by conducting a number of observation flights over other States Parties, including the Russian Federation, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia and Ukraine.
Canada and Hungary are co-depositors of the Treaty in recognition of their special contribution to the Open Skies process; they maintain treaty documents and provide administrative support.
Canada is an active participant in the international security regime and is a signatory to several treaties dedicated to the elimination, reduction or control of weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms.

Quote

“Operation Open Skies allows Canada to once again support the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. I would like to thank the Canadian Armed Forces members deploying on this mission for their ongoing commitment to strengthening trust and security amongst Treaty on Open Skies states, particularly at such a pivotal time in the history of Ukraine.”
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, PC, QC, MP for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence

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Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811

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Canadian Armed Forces conducts an Open Skies observation flight over Ukraine

News Release

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