More than 220 personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces, 10 partner nations and civilian law enforcement agencies will conduct Exercise Ardent Defender 2015 at CFB Esquimalt and throughout Greater Victoria this week.
Held annually, Ardent Defender improves participants’ readiness to counter explosive threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The training simulates a complex contemporary operating environment and enhances linkages with allies and civilian law enforcement partners as they practise response protocols.
“Exercise Ardent Defender represents an important opportunity for the Canadian Armed Forces to train alongside allies and partners to advance our understanding of improvised explosive devices and improve our ability to counter them if required,” said Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove, commander Joint Task Force Pacific
In addition to Canada, participating nations include Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and the United Kingdom. Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand and Poland may send observers.
Civilian agencies and first responder participants include Emergency Management B.C., provincial and local community leaders, B.C. Transit, B.C. Ferries, the Victoria International Airport, RCMP and local police agencies.
Meanwhile, HMCS Saskatoon and Yellowknife left CFB Esquimalt last week to conduct operations, including coastal surveillance and port visits, along the coast of B.C., until mid-June.