UNDATED (WTVR) — Russia and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) teamed up this week for a two-day joint training exercise over the Bering Strait.
The mission, which took place Tuesday and Wednesday, was to make sure Russian and NORAD forces could locate, track and escort a hijacked aircraft over international borders.
The Associated Press reportsRussian pilots smoothly received the hand-off of a “hijacked” jetliner from U.S.-Canadian forces.
NORAD’s Deputy Commander Col. Patrick Carpentier said the series of exercises was designed to foster cooperation between Russia, NORAD, Canada and the U.S.
Carpentier also said this year marked the first time Canadian F-18s took part in the mission.
NORAD’s director of operations, Canadian Major Gen. André Viens, said Strained relations between the U.S. and Russia did not jeopardize the exercise.
