Helicopters from the Canadian Armed Forces are currently flying between Edmonton, Alberta, and Alaska.
Residents in certain regions of northwest Alberta, northeast British Columbia, and southwest Yukon may observe and hear 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, described by the air force as a “large-scale, multinational combat training event,” aims to prepare military units for operations in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments.
Exercise STRIKING BAT is taking place at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, with Canadian forces collaborating with units from the United States, Norway, Italy, and Mongolia.
Canadian military personnel have previously participated in STRIKING BAT exercises held at Fort Wainwright in 2024 and at Twentynine Palms, California, in 2021.
However, this year’s exercise occurs amid concerns over U.S. cooperation with traditional military allies in the Arctic. Recent statements from U.S. President Donald Trump raised doubts about such cooperation, as he threatened tariffs against European nations involved in exercises in Greenland, advocating for the territory’s transfer to the United States.
During an interview with CBC News on January 18, Gen. Jennie Carignan, the chief of the defence staff, discussed the evolving landscape of military cooperation between Canada and the United States.
Carignan emphasized Canada’s close alignment with Europe but highlighted the importance of working together with the U.S., stating that “defending this is a lot easier doing it together.”
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She expressed support for continuing joint defence exercises with the U.S., highlighting the importance of ongoing communication to ensure mutual understanding. Carignan acknowledged that disagreements may arise but stressed the significance of