CF-18 fighter jets to roar over Vancouver Island during week-long military training exercise

Canadian military warns of increased fighter jet activity over Vancouver Island skies. (Cpl Jean-Francois Lauzé)

Residents along parts of Vancouver Island’s west coast can expect a little extra noise in the skies this week as some of Canada’s fighter jets take part in military training exercises based out of CFB Comox.

The Royal Canadian Air Force says CF-18 Hornets from 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta., will be flying in the region from June 15 to 22, with training missions focused on airspace off the Island’s rugged west coast.

Most of the activity will take place over the Pacific Ocean between Tofino and San Josef Bay, where pilots will conduct a range of exercises that include low-level flying.

People living in or visiting communities along the coast may notice the aircraft overhead or hear them passing through the area.

“The CF 18 is a high-performance aircraft designed for speed and agility. As a result, it can be significantly louder than commercial aircraft, particularly during takeoff, low level flying, or when operating at high power,” The Royal Canadian Air Force said in a statement.

Military officials say the training is part of routine readiness exercises that help air crews maintain the skills needed for a variety of missions, including protecting Canadian airspace, supporting continental defence commitments and responding to operations at home and abroad.

The aircraft will operate from 19 Wing Comox throughout the exercise.

The military says the training has been cautiously co-ordinated with intent to balance operational requirements while minimizing impacts on local communities.