Canadian Armed Forces helicopters are set to conduct flights between Edmonton, Alberta, and Alaska. Residents in northwest Alberta, northeast British Columbia, and southwest Yukon may witness six CH-146 Griffin helicopters flying at altitudes as low as 500 feet from January 26 to 28 as part of Exercise STRIKING BAT. This exercise is described by the air force as a significant combat training event aimed at preparing military units for operations in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments.
Taking place at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, the exercise will see Canadian forces collaborating with units from the United States, Norway, Italy, and Mongolia. Previous editions of the STRIKING BAT exercise were held in Fort Wainwright in 2024 and Twentynine Palms, California, in 2021.
The current exercise occurs against a backdrop of uncertainty in U.S. cooperation with traditional military allies in the Arctic. Recent remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump raised doubts, as he threatened tariffs against European countries participating in exercises in Greenland, advocating for the territory to be handed over to the United States.
During an interview with CBC News on January 18, Gen. Jennie Carignan, the chief of the defence staff, discussed the future of military cooperation between Canada and the United States amid evolving political dynamics. Carignan emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that while Canada is closely aligned with Europe, defending the continent is more effective when done jointly with the U.S.
She highlighted the necessity of maintaining open communication channels with American counterparts for mutual understanding, even when disagreements arise. Carignan emphasized the ongoing nature of military discussions and dialogues between the two nations.
The article also provided a link to a video discussing the future of Canadian-U.S. military cooperation, featuring Gen. Jennie Carignan and other military experts. Additionally, readers were encouraged to subscribe to CBC’s Fort St. John Weekly for comprehensive news coverage from British Columbia’s Peace and Northern Rockies regions.