Canada to Deploy Frigate, CF-18 Fighter Aircraft in Europe to Support NATO

Canada will lead a multinational military force that includes a frigate, a battlegroup and up to six combat aircraft as part of the NATO enhanced ‘forward presence’ in Eastern Europe, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a press release on Friday.

WASHINGTON  (Sputnik) — On June 30, Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan announced that Ottawa will establish a rotational NATO battlegroup to enhance the block’s defense posture in Eastern and Central Europe.

“The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will deploy a frigate that will undertake operational tasks with NATO’s maritime forces in the region. Canada will also deploy an Air Task Force — which will include up to six CF-18 fighter aircraft — to conduct periodic surveillance and air policing activities in Europe,” the release expleined.

Trudeau has announced that the Canadian battlegroup will be stationed in Latvia.

“We are ready to respond to support NATO with some of the most effective soldiers, sailors, and airmen and airwomen in the world.”

The deployment will be Canada’s largest sustained military presence in Europe in more than a decade, according to the prime minister.