Residents in northern Vancouver Island may see Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft in the area starting from 11 a.m May 9 as they exercise NORAD intercept and identification procedures.
Canadian Air Division Public Affairs note during the flight, NORAD-controlled CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft will fly in close proximity to a civilian-looking aircraft.
The exercise is part of NORAD’s continuing training to test responses, systems and equipment. All NORAD training flights are carefully planned and closely controlled.
NORAD is a bi-national United States and Canadian command charged with the missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for North America.
All NORAD forces are trained, equipped and prepared to execute their assigned missions and carry out well-established actions to ensure the air security and sovereignty of Canada and the United States.
— 1 Canadian Air Division Public Affairs