Mandate of the Royal Canadian Air Force

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is part of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Whether it be air defence, maritime patrol, search and rescue, air mobility and sustainment, or aerospace control— Canadians can rely on the RCAF to serve them at home, across the globe and beyond.

The RCAF supports air and space operations in Canada and around the world. We also work closely with the United States to defend and protect North America as a partner in North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). The RCAF also leads the CAF Joint and Combined Space program to enhance and protect critical space capabilities.