Defence Minister announces enhancements to RCAF mobility capabilities to support global missions

Today, Defence Minister Anita Anand announced that the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is enhancing its air mobility operations based in Europe as it conducts ongoing missions there and around the world.

Since late March 2022, RCAF members operating two CC-130J Hercules aircraft have been conducting operations from a hub based out of Prestwick, Scotland. The hub’s personnel have now delivered 4 million pounds of cargo – largely military aid in support of Ukraine.

To increase capacity and operational flexibility, Canada is adding a third CC-130J Hercules aircraft to the detachment, and deploying support personnel responsible for maintenance, cargo movements and administration. The Air Mobility Detachment in Prestwick will be made up of approximately 55 Canadian Armed Forces members with further augmentation based on operational tempo. When necessary, CC-177 Globemaster crews will continue to utilize the hub’s resources to increase mission efficiency and flexibility.

To reflect this change, the Prestwick Tactical Airlift Detachment will now be known as an Air Mobility Detachment. This name change is consistent with the increased frequency of flights and use of CC-177 air mobility aircraft.

Bolstering the RCAF’s operations hub will increase Canada’s ability to carry out support missions throughout Europe, including the delivery of Ukraine-bound military aid. This augmentation will also increase Canada’s ability to carry out missions in the Middle East and Africa on a periodic or as-required basis.

As Ukraine defends itself from Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion, Canada will continue to provide Ukraine with comprehensive military assistance.

Quotes

“By delivering Ukraine-bound military aid donated by Canada, Allies, and partners, Canada is making a valuable contribution to Ukraine’s defence. Indeed, during meetings with counterparts, I have consistently found immense gratitude for this important work. Today’s announcement will enable Canada to deliver even more military aid bound for Ukraine – and as Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, this task remains crucial.”

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“The increased RCAF presence in Prestwick using this ‘Hub and Spoke’ model will allow greater flexibility and efficiency when it comes to delivering airpower to our fellow Canadian Armed Forces members and our NATO Allies. This concept will also enhance our proven ability to provide aid flights in support of Ukraine. RCAF crews in Europe have been doing a tremendous job since March and their motto of ‘Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ will be well supported with these new measures.”

Major-General Iain Huddleston, Commander Joint Force Air Component

Quick Facts

• In addition to its missions in support of Ukraine, the Air Mobility Detachment will support Canadian Armed Forces deployed missions including Operations REASSURANCE (Central and Eastern Europe), IMPACT (Middle East), and PRESENCE (Africa).

• The Air Mobility Detachment will use a ‘Hub and Spoke’ concept of operations, which the RCAF has been operating with in recent years both overseas and domestically. Notably, this concept’s effectiveness was proven during Op VECTOR in 2021 where the RCAF supported the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations throughout remote parts of northern Manitoba.

• ‘Hub and Spoke’ operations allows consolidation of support personnel, while permitting flexibility for air operations from a base of operations. Trans-Atlantic CC-177 Globemaster and CC-150 Polaris flights flow in and out of the Prestwick Hub, while onward movement of cargo and personnel around Europe is handled by CC-130J Hercules.

This press release was prepared and distributed by Department of National Defence