2001 - Maple Flag @ CFB Cold Lake
Exercise Maple Flag is an annual air combat exercise conducted from CFB Cold Lake over the co-located Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR). It is among the largest exercises of its kind in the world, lasting several weeks and divided into multiple phases. The first Maple Flag took place in 1978. Initially held twice a year, it transitioned to an annual format in 1987. Maple Flag provides realistic training for pilots from the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as selected allied air forces from around the world. During the exercise, the number of personnel at CFB Cold Lake effectively doubles, with approximately 5,000 pilots and support crew taking part.
The exercise has been cancelled several times due to the operational commitments of the Canadian Forces on international missions. The Royal Canadian Air Force has also used these pauses as opportunities to modernise the infrastructure that supports the exercise and to refocus resources on updating its mandate. These efforts help ensure that Maple Flag remains relevant now and in the future, and that it will continue to be one of the premier venues for air combat training.
The exercise has been cancelled several times due to the operational commitments of the Canadian Forces on international missions. The Royal Canadian Air Force has also used these pauses as opportunities to modernise the infrastructure that supports the exercise and to refocus resources on updating its mandate. These efforts help ensure that Maple Flag remains relevant now and in the future, and that it will continue to be one of the premier venues for air combat training.
|
|
|
|