London, Ontario - May 2014
Canada is committed to working with its NATO Allies to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe, given Russia’s ongoing aggression and provocation against Ukraine.
To this end, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that the Canadian Armed Forces will be deployed to participate in Exercise Orzel Alert in Swidwin, Poland.
Approximately 50 soldiers from the 3rd Canadian Division based in Edmonton, Alberta, comprised of a platoon from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and support staff will depart on May 2 for Poland. Their participation in this United States-led multinational exercise from May 5 to 9 will include training in parachuting, airborne operations and infantry skills.
On April 16, NATO agreed on a package of further military measures to reinforce NATO’s collective defence and demonstrate the strength of Allied solidarity in response to Russian aggression and provocation against Ukraine. NATO has begun to implement these measures, which are based on defence, deterrence and de-escalation.
On April 17, 2014, the Government of Canada offered contributions to NATO reassurance measures in order to promote Euro-Atlantic security and stability.
On April 29, 2014, the Government of Canada sent six CF-18 Hornets from 429 Tactical Fighter Squadron, based at 3 Wing Bagotville to Romania. The CF-18 is Canada's frontline multi-role fighter, and its pilots are trained to perform air defence, air superiority, aerospace testing and evaluation, training, and tactical support missions. CF-18 pilots are trained to engage both aerial and ground targets.
The Government of Canada has sent 15 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operational planning staff to augment Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE) staff in Casteau, Belgium. These CAF members will enhance operational planning functions.
The CAF have been a major contributor to NATO operations since its founding 65 years ago. Canada continues to provide modern, deployable capabilities to Allied missions and highly trained personnel to its command structure.
The Canadian Army has a strong military relationship with its Polish Allies, having trained with them on a number of occasions. Recently, Canadian and Polish parachutists trained together in Quebec during Exercise Rafale Blanche from January 28 to February 5, 2014. Canadian soldiers joined American mentors in Poland to prepare a Polish headquarters to go to Afghanistan last October. Canadian and Polish soldiers also participated in Exercise Rapid Trident from July 8 to 9 in 2013. The Canadian Army also trained with Polish, Lithuanian and Ukrainian counterparts during Exercise Maple Arch, most recently from September 9 to 20 in 2013.
Canadian and American military personnel frequently train together as continental and NATO allies. At the national level, the Royal Canadian Navy frequently participates in the Rim of the Pacific exercises off the shores of Hawaii, while the Royal Canadian Air Force hosts their American counterparts annually during Exercise Maple Flag in Cold Lake, Alberta, and Canadian soldiers join their American allies in Wainwright, Alberta, for the Maple Resolve series of exercises.
There are also numerous training events held on both sides of the border that are organized at the divisional level of the Canadian Army.
