Australian F-18s Will Operate Out of Bagotville and Cold Lake

By: David Pugliese, Defence Watch

When Canada was looking to buy new Super Hornets from Boeing, the understanding was that they would be set up in one stand alone squadron, likely at CFB Cold Lake.

So how will the 18 used Australian F-18s be distributed? Will they be in one location?

Here is what a senior government official – speaking on background – had to say on that topic during the recent announcement:

“The force structure of the aircraft from Australia has not yet been finalized. We’re going to actually do that through the definition phase, but we anticipate right now that some of the aircraft will likely be employed in Cold Lake and some will be employed in Bagotville, probably with a similar ratio that we currently have across the fleet. So, but the final force structure is yet to be determined.”

But the government has since officially confirmed that Bagotville and Cold Lake will be the locations. Here is what it has stated:

“The aircraft will be employed at 3 Wing Bagotville and 4 Wing Cold Lake. DND is currently reviewing infrastructure requirements to accommodate the additional aircraft. Any modifications are expected to be minimal as the supplemental jets are of similar age and design to the CF-18.”

---- 

Moderator Note: 

Personally, I do not see why this is news. Even if they were only stationed at Cold Lake as originally thought...those are the only two CF-18 Wings in Canada. It would be a surprise if they set up a third Wing at a third base.