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Military aircraft will be flying more frequently over the Kananaskis region beginning in May as security preparations get underway for the 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit.
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"In support of the RCMP-led Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG), the presence of Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft in the Kananaskis region will increase significantly beginning in early May, as security preparations for the 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit begin, and will continue until the Summit concludes in mid-June," the RCMP said in a media release.
The RCMP said the public can expect to see and hear Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft flying in and around the region, sometimes at lower altitudes and in formations of multiple aircraft, as aircrews practice procedures and familiarize themselves with operating in the area.
"This will start in early May with CF-18 Hornet fighter jets, and in late May with CH-147F Chinook helicopters and CH-146 Griffon helicopters," the RCMP said.
According to the RCMP, the Canadian Armed Forces are contributing additional operational capacity in support of summit security.
"The Canadian Armed Forces support to the RCMP-led Integrated Safety and Security Group complements and enhances federal, provincial and local organizations with other unique capabilities..."
That support includes a range of personnel and equipment for protective operations.
"...including military personnel and equipment to create a secure environment for summit participants, local communities, and visitors," the RCMP said.
"As the G7 is considered a major international event, the RCMP holds the mandate for the overarching safety and security of all world leaders attending."
"The RCMP is proud to lead the ISSG that brings together law enforcement, safety, and security partners to ensure a coordinated and unified approach to the security of the G7 Summit."
The ISSG includes multiple federal, provincial and municipal agencies with longstanding operational ties.
"The RCMP and its ISSG partners, which include the Calgary Police Service, the Alberta Sheriffs' Branch, Alberta Conservation Officers and the Canadian Armed Forces, have well-established relationships and extensive experience in planning and delivering security measures for major events."
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