WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US and Canadian air and ground forces are taking part in Vigilant Shield 17, an annual exercise of the North American Aerospace and Defense Command (NORAD) that trains personnel to detect and defeat threats from the far north and high Arctic regions, Canada's Armed Forces said in a press release Monday.
"Canada’s commitment to working with our American partners to jointly defend the airspace of North America is a top priority for the Royal Canadian Air Force," 1st Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD region commander Maj. Gen. Christian Drouin said.
Vigilant Shield is a "live fly" exercise that includes Canadian F-18 fighter jets; US F-15 aircraft; and surveillance, refuelling and rescue craft from both countries.
NORAD is a joint command between Canada and the United States that provides airspace warning and control as well as maritime warning operations to defend the North American continent.
