The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) reinforce Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic as it deploys military assets, capabilities, and personnel on multiple operations throughout that region this summer and early fall. These operations are part of the CAF's core missions to detect, deter, and defend Canada and North America against potential threats.
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), Canadian Army (CA), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) are committing ships, aircraft and personnel, while operations will consist of exercises and activities in coordination with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and United States (U.S.) military.
In the Western Arctic region, including the Bering and Chukchi Seas, the Halifax-class Frigate His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina and the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) HMCS Max Bernays will sail from Esquimalt, British Columbia, and operate with Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix to enhance awareness and understanding of maritime activities in the region. These ships will work with RCAF CP-140 Aurora and CC-150 Polaris tanker aircraft, along with the U.S. military, throughout their deployment. The CAF contingent is operating as part of Operation LATITUDE, which begins in mid-August and will take place throughout the Alaskan Theater of Operations. Operation LATITUDE will include CAF support for the U.S.-led Northern Edge 25 as well as follow-on support to Alaskan Command.
Across Baffin Island in the Northern Arctic region, the CA and Canadian Rangers will deploy an agile force alongside RCAF aviators and aircraft, such as the CC-138 Twin Otter, CH-146 Griffon, and CH-147F Chinook, to conduct patrols and other activities that will provide the CAF with real-time reconnaissance and response capabilities as part of Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT. Also participating are HMCS William Hall and CCG Cutter Pierre Radisson, as well as other government departments and partners. This operation runs from late August to mid-September.
In July, Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ concluded in the Northern Arctic region, where the Rangers joined by members from the CA's 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry-completed several long-range reconnaissance patrols on foot, by all-terrain vehicle, and onboard CC-138 Twin Otter aircraft across Ellesmere Island to enhance domain awareness. With support from the RCAF's 440 (Transport) Squadron and Airfield Surface Assessment and Reconnaissance team, this effort provided key infrastructure and logistical information, while validating operational capabilities and informing future planning for security and sovereignty activities in the Canadian Arctic.
Finally, in the Eastern Arctic region, AOPV HMCS William Hall will depart from Halifax to navigate the Northwest Passage, increasing the CAF's awareness in this important waterway. The ship will also visit several communities along the route as part of Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK also from mid-August to early October.
Working in partnership with Inuit and Northern Indigenous governments and communities, the CAF maintains a persistent and meaningful presence in the Canadian Arctic to support peace, security, and sovereignty. This presence reflects shared priorities and respects Indigenous knowledge, governance, and stewardship of the land. Operational priorities remain central to Defence planning and are pursued in full recognition of Canada's legal obligations and policy commitments to Inuit and Northern Indigenous peoples. The Department of National Defence and the CAF are committed to upholding the rights and interests of Inuit and Northern Indigenous peoples by respecting Northern land claims agreements and treaties, implementing the Inuit Nunangat Policy, and aligning with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.
