Media: Canadian skies play key role in US air strikes on Iran

American military aircraft have been using Canadian airspace for in-flight refueling en route to the Middle East, leveraging the NORAD agreement, which does not require formal Canadian permission, The Globe and Mail reports.

On March 12, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. ET, two KC-135T Stratotankers were observed over Moose Factory, Ontario, alongside several other unidentified aircraft. Later, a second formation of tankers and support planes was spotted over Eastmain, Quebec. Using Flightradar24, eight refueling aircraft were tracked over the James Bay region, from Salt Lake City and returning to Pittsburgh, before disappearing from public tracking—a pattern consistent with active aerial refueling.

“The scale and timing point to long-range strategic bombers,” said Dr. James Fergusson, a NORAD expert. Dr. David Bercuson added, “Because of our military agreements with the United States, we’re tied into this whether we like it or not.” Video footage showed aircraft in close formation, including one positioning behind a tanker for refueling.

Analysis suggests these operations supported B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, which require multiple aerial refuelings on long-range missions. Video released by US Central Command on March 14 confirmed B-2s departing the base ahead of strikes on Iran. The route over central Canada and Hudson-James Bay shortens flight times and streamlines tanker logistics, making Canadian airspace a critical corridor.

Under Canadian law and NORAD agreements, US aircraft are not obligated to seek overflight approval, though notification is typical. A Global Affairs Canada spokesperson confirmed this reciprocal arrangement but declined to comment on the March 12 operation. “Their desire… is to keep it off the radar, as quiet as possible,” Fergusson said, noting such secrecy has been standard practice for decades.

By Vafa Guliyeva