Canada deploys fighter jets for Eastern Europe patrols

[Jesus Malverde]

Source: AFP

Six Canadian CF-18 fighter jets left for Romania Tuesday to take part in increased NATO patrols over Eastern Europe amid rising tensions with Russia over Ukraine.

The multi-role military aircraft took off from their base in Bagotville, Quebec, at 9 a.m. local time (1300 GMT) as Canadian Defense Minister Rob Nicholson looked on.

In Romania, Nicholson said, the jets will be conducting "training activities in support of (NATO) reassurance measures" in Central and Eastern Europe to demonstrate what another official described as "the strength of Allied solidarity in response to Russian aggression."

France, Britain and Poland have already deployed fighter aircraft to Poland, Lithuania and Estonia, respectively, in response to Russia's military buildup along its border with former Soviet-era satellite Ukraine.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/canada-deploys-fighter-jets-eastern-europe-patrols-153116631.html

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_CF-18_Hornet

[Demeter]

1. This is stupid and despicable

With all the satellites surveillance, there's no reason to burn jet fuel, unless you intend to intimidate by threat of bombings.

And with the drones, there's no need to risk pilots.

So it's just bullying, while letting the fly boys get some miles.

[Earth_First]

2. They'd be burning fuel and logging flight hours regardless..

However I do agree with you on the senseless use of aggressive mission-style deployment.

[pampango]

3. Agreed. Just because Russia is willing to waste gas and jet fuel on massive "military exercises" on

the Ukrainian border (with the intent to intimidate?) is no reason for Canada, NATO or the West in general to do the same.

[okaawhatever]

5. +100 nt

[thecytron]

4. Woow! Canada has an Air-Force?

I am pretty sure, this "show-of-force", by the so-called Canadian Air-Force, is nothing more than a symbolic gesture.