Canadian Air Force Using Cellphone Tracking Tech to Boost Search and Rescue Efforts

A RCAF crew member prepares for takeoff aboard the CH-124 Sea King helicopter at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Saanich, B.C., on Nov. 27, 2018. The Canadian Press/Chad Hipolito

Canadian military aircraft are now being outfitted with technology capable of tracking cellphones for search and rescue operations.

Dubbed the Cellular Airborne Sensors for Search and Rescue (CASSAR) system, the new technology is currently being used on Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules planes flying out of bases in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia, the Department of National Defence (DND) said in a Sept. 6 release.