RCAF Concludes MAPLE FLAG

Press Release
National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

After 1,945 hours flown over the course of 1,137 sorties, 1,300 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel along with 400 members from partner nations concluded Exercise MAPLE FLAG, the largest and most complex international training event of the year led by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The exercise was successful in accomplishing the goal of preparing Canadian and international aircrew, maintenance, and support personnel for the rigours of operations in the modern aerial battlespace.

“The feedback we received during Exercise MAPLE FLAG 49 has been extremely positive, pointing to an overall successful experience for everyone involved. It was a great opportunity for the RCAF to enhance our agility, reach, and power, while increasing operability with our domestic joint partners and allies.” - Major-General Christian Drouin, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division

“Exercise MAPLE FLAG 49 was a tremendous success. The months of planning and hard work paid off, providing a world-class training opportunity that will directly contribute to the continued success of the RCAF and our allies. A highlight for me was the absolute professionalism and dedication of all those involved.” - Colonel Eric Kenny, Commander 4 Wing Cold Lake

The exercise began on May 30, and brought together over 1300 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel from across the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army, and over 400 personnel from five allied and partner nations. Aircraft which flew as part of the exercise included:

From Canada: 

• CF-18 Hornet fighters, 
• CH-146 Griffon helicopters, 
• CP-140 Auroras, 
• CC-177 Globemaster III heavy lift aircraft, 
• CC-130 Hercules air-to-air refueling and transport aircraft, 
• and contracted Dornier Alpha Jets;

From the United States: 

• C-130 Hercules aircraft 
• and E-3 Sentry aircraft;

From France: 

• Mirage 2000-5 
• and Rafale fighter aircraft;

From the United Kingdom:

•  E-3 Sentry aircraft.

Participants used a fictitious scenario in which they fought against simulated threats using tactics, weaponry, and technology. The goal was to hone their skills within a realistic, evolving, and challenging operating environment.

Some notable statistics from Exercise MAPLE FLAG 49 include:

• Sorties flown: 1,137;
• Air-to-air fuel transferred: 1,070,400 pounds;
• Total hours flown: 1,945.08;
• Live munitions dropped: 8;
• Inert munitions dropped: 69;
• Number of target complexes attacked: 257; and
• Number of simulated air-to-air kills: 1,063.
• Participants from allied and partner forces included:

Participants:

• The United States Air Force;
• The United States Air Force Reserve;
• The Kentucky Air National Guard;
• The United States Marine Corps;
• The Royal Air Force;
• The French Air Force;
• The German Army; and
• The Belgian Army