USAF to Take 136 F-18s Out of Service; But Don't Count on Any for Canada

By: David Pugliese, Defence Watch 

The U.S. Navy is removing from service 136 of its older F-18s. That has immediately prompted suggestions in some parts of the Canadian defence community that the aircraft could be used to bolster Canada’s aging CF-18 fleet.

But don’t count on that happening.

The USN is hoping to provide the U.S. Marines with the best of the surplus aircraft to bolster the Marines’ fighter capability. And then it intends to use the others for spare parts for its F-18s still operating. The 136 aircraft will be removed from service between now and 2020.

Canadian defence sources say discussions between Canada and Australia for the purchase of 18 surplus F-18s are moving smoothly along. There is no need to look at U.S. surplus aircraft even if the USN was interested in providing them to Canada, they added.

24 RCAF CF-18s in California for Ex. PUMA STRIKE

By: Daniel Maillet, CAF Dispatch Author

This morning Defence Watch's David Pugliese is reporting that a large number of the RCAF's CF-18 fleet is down in California to take part in the U.S. military exercise PUMA STRIKE. 

U.S. Department of Defense web page notes that 24 RCAF CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft are now at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California for the exercise. There has been no official statement from the RCAF or the CAF about the exercise. David Pugliese however, did confirm the 24 number with DND. 

A CF-188 Hornet takes off for a mission during Exercise PUMA STRIKE at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, on March 3, 2016. PHOTO: CK07-2016-0154-137, Corporal Andre Maillet

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

RCAF Releases New Photos from CC-150 Polaris & OP IMPACT

On it's Twitter feed today, the Canadian Armed Forces released new images from OP Impact today.

The country has heard very little about Canada's aerial contributions to the fight against ISIS since the government withdrew the RCAF CF-18s in February of this year.

The RCAF left 2 CP-140 Aurora Intelligence aircraft's and a CC-150 aerial refueling tanker in the region to help the US-led coalition continue to fight ISIS.

The photos released today are from the CC-150 tanker refueling USAF F/A-18s and US Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers  aircraft over Iraq.

6,000+ CAF Members to Participate in MAPLE RESOLVE-16

By: David Pugliese, Defence Watch 

Over 6000 Canadian Forces personnel will participate in Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 2016, the Canadian Army’s largest training event of the year. Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE will take place in Wainwright, Alberta, from May 23 to June 6.

The exercise is hosted by the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and will provide Canadian Army soldiers, leaders, and other military personnel an opportunity to enhance their combat readiness, according to the army’s news release.

Equipment and Personnel before Ex. MAPLE RESOLVE-15 (Canadian Forces - Flickr)

The training will confirm the readiness of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1 CMBG); 1 CMBG to assume its responsibilities as the Canadian Army’s High Readiness brigade on July 1.

During the exercise Canadian soldiers serving with 1 CMBG based in Edmonton, Alberta and Shilo, Manitoba will train with elements of the Royal Canadian Air Force, the United States Army, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Army Reserves, U.S. Marine Corps, and the British Army. Allied participation will involve over 1200 soldiers from the U.S. military and approximately 150 soldiers from the British Army, according to the news release.