GeoMinute: The RCAF in Canada’s longest war

Following the Korean War, RCAF pilots played important roles in combat missions in the Middle East, including Operation Desert Storm (1991) and Operation Enduring Freedom, an international effort to destroy the al-Qaeda terrorist network and the Taliban regime that sheltered it in Afghanistan. Lasting from 2001 to 2011, when combat operations ended, the War in Afghanistan was Canada’s longest to date.

Learn more about the past, present and future of the Royal Canadian Air Force: https://wingsofhonour.ca/

Photo/video credits:

• American F-86 Sabres during the Korean War. Department of National Defence Archives (D001043Z1).
• Map of Iraq. Envato Elements.
• RCAF CF-18 Hornets taxiing. Department of National Defence Archives (DL91046VB.mov).
• RCAF CF-18 Hornets firing. Department of National Defence Archives (missile.mov).
• Map of Afghanistan. Envato Elements.
• Scene during War in Afghanistan. Department of National Defence Archives (Security Operations in Panjwa_ i District-Master.mov).
• Two CH-146 Griffon helicopters fly soldiers to a Forward Operating Base. Department of National Defence Archives (Security Operations in Panjwa_ i District-Master.mov).
• Members of the CFC and KMTC coalition team pose for a group photo at Camp Blackhorse, Kabul on September 27, 2013. Department of National Defence/MCpl Frieda VanPutten.

As the Royal Canadian Air Force celebrates its centennial in 2024, Canadian Geographic looks back at significant moments and milestones from the past century.

This project is made possible in part by the Government of Canada.