Peterson Space Base, Colorado – The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will conduct a planned live air defense exercise near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada today.

NORAD CF-18s and civilian aircraft will participate in the exercise. The aircraft will operate at different altitudes and will be visible to the public at times.

NORAD regularly conducts air defense exercises using various scenarios, including airspace violations, hijackings, and responding to unidentified aircraft, to test responses, systems, and equipment. All NORAD exercises are carefully planned and tightly controlled.

Defending Canada and the United States is NORAD’s highest priority. Operation NOBLE EAGLE is the name given to air sovereignty and air defense missions in North America. For more than 65 years, NORAD aircraft have identified and engaged potential aerial threats to North America as part of their air warning and air control missions.

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NOTE FOR EDITORS: For more information, contact NORAD Public Affairs at (719) 554-6889 or [email protected].

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