Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) declared heavy-handed no-fly zones. They’re especially getting ready for the next G7 Summit, when leaders from seven of the world’s largest economic powers will converge in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. Mark Basanta, from RCMP Protective Operations had the following broad frame served up during a media roundtable. The event itself was held in an aircraft hangar at the Springfield airport, located on Calgary’s western fringe.
The no-fly zones will encompass Calgary International Airport and Kananaskis, with restrictions taking effect from 6 a.m. on June 14 and remaining in place until 11:59 p.m. on June 17. The radius of the no-fly zone around Kananaskis Village will extend to 30 nautical miles, or approximately 56 km. At the same time, the airport area will increase 20 nautical miles, or about 37 kilometers.
The G7 Summit will feature leaders from notable countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, and representatives from the European Union. Flickr photo by ADB Basanta underscored the measures which are important to provide safety and security of the attending dignitaries.
At the press conference, Basanta declared an unequivocal threat. Unauthorized aircraft and drones entering restricted areas will be intercepted by either RCMP or Canadian Forces’ aircraft. He noted that while shooting down an unauthorized aircraft is an extreme measure, the RCMP possess the capability to do so if necessary.
“Shooting is an extreme measure, but yeah, we have the capability to take them down,” – Basanta
Basanta lamented the rising availability of drones, especially for recreational use. To be clear, he added, the RCMP knows drone enthusiasts are roaming. Behind the scenes, they clearly have gone above and beyond to crack down on even minor infractions.
“Our main concern is the hobbyists flying the drones inadvertently flying into the aircraft. A threat from a drone is one thing … it’s also ensuring the safety of our own aircraft that are in the air,” – Basanta
To enhance security even more, an emergency response, counter-drone team will be sent to the picturesque Kananaskis area. Basanta said unauthorized drones that fly near protected areas will be intercepted. Canadian Armed Forces aircraft, like these F-18s conducting a combat air patrol, will respond.
“Short of doing that, they can expect to be intercepted by the Canadian Armed Forces that are flying. They will be met. They will be intercepted. We do have F-18s flying a combat air patrol. Hopefully that’s enough of a deterrent,” – Basanta
These limitations will not affect regularly scheduled commercial air service. This allows the polite travel disruptions of TSA to function so that air travel for the general public can continue without a hitch—even in this ultra-secure climate.
