A Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CP-140 Aurora Air Detachment has completed a deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, including a six-week rotation on Operation NEON.
Op NEON is the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) contribution to multinational efforts to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions imposed against North Korea. This deployment demonstrates Canada’s unwavering commitment to promote peace and strengthen stability in the region, alongside our partners in the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange (PSMX).
The CP-140 Aurora crew monitored for suspected maritime sanctions evasion activities, in particular ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and other commodities banned by the UNSC.
Through the course of the operation, RCAF aircraft are routinely intercepted by People’s Republic of China military aircraft. Most interactions have taken place in a safe and professional manner; however, when interactions are deemed unsafe, Canada addresses them directly with China through the appropriate channels.
Following Operation NEON, the CP-140 and crew proceeded to conduct a short operational visit to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines as part of Operation PROJECTION. These visits are key opportunities for CAF engagement within the Indo-Pacific region, as Canada expands its military cooperation in the region through the Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces remain committed to upholding the rules-based-international order in the Indo-Pacific region and will continue to operate in international waters and airspace with due regard for safety under international law.
“The Canadian Armed Forces will continue to play a vital role in the Indo-Pacific region, maintaining a persistent presence to support peace, security, and Canadian interests all of which require adherence to the rules-based international order. The CAF is committed to this outcome and our efforts include notable and valued contributions to Operation NEON, as part of the United Nations collective response, which plays a key role in supporting global security and prosperity in the region,” said Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander CJOC.
Quick facts
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, released in November 2022, puts forward an ambitious, comprehensive, and integrated policy framework for Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific Strategy promotes a clear-eyed approach regarding China as a security actor in the region.
The RCAF CP-140 Aurora flew 16 sorties to conduct surveillance operations to identify suspected maritime sanctions evasion activities, in particular ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and other commodities banned by the United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCR). This contribution bolsters the integrity of the global sanctions regime against North Korea.
Canada conducts these activities as part of a broader multinational initiative alongside partners in the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange (PSMX), which brings together Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America to disrupt North Korea’s illicit smuggling activities and uphold the integrity of UNSC resolutions.
Canada remains committed to its sanctions monitoring activities under Operation NEON, including through the deployment of RCAF aircraft.
The RCAF CP-140 Aurora Air Detachment consisted of approximately 40 personnel, including aircrew, technicians, and other mission specialists. With a range of 7,400 km and equipped with advanced sensors the CP-140 Aurora is a pre-eminent Long Range Patrol aircraft well-suited to Operation NEON.
RCAF aircrew are well prepared to operate in the Indo-Pacific airspace and have undergone key training as part of the CAF’s commitment to safe and professional operations in international airspace.
The next deployment of a CP-140 Air Detachment to the Indo-Pacific Region on Operation NEON is planned for Fall 2023.
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