There’s a local connection to a NATO mission underway in Iceland.

Six Canadian C-F-18 fighter jets are taking part in a campaign as part of Operation REASSURANCE to reinforce the defence of NATO countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

About 180 members of the Canadian Forces are involved, including intercept controllers from 22 Wing CFB North Bay.

The month-long operation is intended to identify and intercept aircraft that approach NATO airspace in Iceland.

“Canada is a committed NATO ally and our commitment to the transatlantic bond is as strong as ever. Air Task Force-Iceland is part of the renewal of the mandate of Operation REASSURANCE announced by the Government of Canada in July 2016 at the NATO Warsaw Summit in Poland. Canada and Iceland continue to be close partners within NATO and this deployment is an example of the Canada’s continuing solidarity and collaboration with Allies to ensure safety and security in the Alliance’s airspace,” says Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister.

“The men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have world-class military skills and a global reputation as a professional and capable force. Air Task Force-Iceland is another example of the CAF having the necessary capabilities to make a meaningful contribution across the full spectrum of international operations,” says Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command

(With files from The Canadian Press)