Canada has stationed several fighter jets at a central Labrador air base to prepare for a possible response to Russian military exercises in the Arctic.

About six CF-18 fighter jets have been stationed at 5 Wing Goose Bay this week, on standby to intercept any Russian military aircraft that may come close to Canadian or U.S. airspace.

Russian bombers have been testing the North American air defence response, and though the action has not been seen as hostile, Lt.-Col. Brian Bowerman, the acting wing commander, said the Canadian force is alert.

"You have to be ready, and this is what they're doing," he said. "They're practising to be ready if they need to intercept [Russian] aircraft."

The Canadian jets, which have been flying missions from Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay for the last five days, are expected to stay at the base for several weeks. About 50 support personnel have accompanied them.

The base was once busy with fighter jet training, especially during the Cold War, but diminishing activity in recent years has called into question whether the base is still viable.

Dean Clarke, a town councillor in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, said the presence of the CF-18s proves that the base still has strategic importance.

"They're a lot closer [now]. They have better legs and flying ability from Goose Bay, where we're northerly located," he said.

Clarke predicted that the value of CFB Goose Bay will become more important as Arctic sovereignty becomes a bigger issue.

He said the town council will use this exercise to remind the federal government of the value of having fighter jets based in the region permanently.