The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has successfully concluded Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT 2026 (Op NA-NU 26), the largest and most comprehensive winter operation in the Arctic under the broader Operation NANOOK framework.
From February to April 2026, approximately 1,300 CAF members-supported by nearly 200 vehicles and pieces of equipment, including two M777 howitzers-conducted land, air, and joint operations across the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. As the largest iteration of Op NA-NU to date, the 2026 edition underscored the growing importance of CAF operations in the Arctic, and included military participation from Belgium, Denmark, France, and the United States.
As global interest and activity in the Arctic continue to increase, the CAF remains committed to maintaining a permanent presence in the Arctic and the North. The successful completion of Op NA-NU 26 represents a significant milestone in this enduring mission, supporting efforts to detect threats early, deter adversaries, and enhance the CAF's ability to defend the Arctic across the land, maritime, air, cyber, and space domains.
Demonstrating Canada's capacity to project and sustain combat-capable forces over vast distances while operating seamlessly with allies and Northern partners, CAF personnel-including Canadian Rangers-conducted land, air, and joint activities. These included complex logistics movements, equipment trials in austere conditions, and a long-range patrol of more than 5,000 km from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, to Churchill, Manitoba.
The operation was conducted in close collaboration with Indigenous governments and communities, as well as territorial, municipal, and federal partners. Engagement with Northern communities took place so that operations respected local knowledge and priorities, reinforcing relationships critical to sustained presence and domain awareness.
Op NA‑NU 26 was conducted in coherence with Canada's broader Arctic operations and contributes to the CAF's support to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY. Through ARCTIC SENTRY, Canada is aligning its Arctic operations, exercises, and activities with those of its NATO Allies under a single, overarching operational approach-strengthening collective defence, reinforcing deterrence, and enhancing allied domain awareness across the Arctic and High North. This integrated approach reflects Canada's enduring commitment to defending the Arctic alongside its allies while maintaining a permanent presence in the region.
