The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) conducted multiple operations in Canada's Arctic region and its approaches throughout the summer and early fall as part of the CAF's core mission to detect, deter, and defend Canada against potential threats and to safeguard North America in partnership with the United States (U.S.). These operations reflect growing collaboration with Canadian and international partners, highlighted by several notable achievements, including the most northern operation of a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessel.
CAF ships, aircraft, and personnel were deployed on operations in coordination with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), the Northern Interdepartmental Information Partner Network, the U.S. military, and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies. These operations enhance interoperability and bolster whole-of-government operational effectiveness.
In July, the Canadian Rangers, joined by members of the 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 under Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ. These patrols took place across Ellesmere Island to enhance domain awareness in the Northern Arctic region. With support from the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) 440 Transport Squadron and Airfield Surface Assessment and Reconnaissance team, this effort provided key infrastructure and logistical information, validated operational capabilities and informed future planning for security and sovereignty activities.
As part of Operation LATITUDE, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina, HMCS Max Bernays, Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix, His Majesty's Canadian Submarine Corner Brook, and an RCAF CP-140 Aurora operated alongside U.S. military assets in the Northern Pacific and Western Arctic region over the period of August and September. This operation enhanced the CAF's awareness of maritime activities in the region and reinforced interoperability with the U.S. in support of continental defence.
During Operation LATITUDE, HMCS Regina integrated with RCAF, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Air Force (USAF) assets to conduct multiple activities, including a joint combined strike demonstration with USAF F-35 aircraft. MV Asterix's replenishment capabilities enabled multiple ships to remain at sea longer, sustaining operations. While HMCS Regina operated in the Northern Pacific, HMCS Max Bernays sailed north into the Bering and Chukchi seas, eventually reaching the highest northern point of any RCN ship, 81° North, on August 29, 2025. The RCAF CP-140 Aurora enhanced maritime domain awareness from the air, which included monitoring the dual-purpose ship Xue Long 2 as it operated in international waters off the coast of North America.
Over the same period, Canadian Army (CA), RCN, and RCAF members deployed along the Northwest Passage on Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT, to carry outland, maritime, and aerial patrols to maintain domain awareness. Operational drills included a vessel of interest interdiction, a CCG emergency spill response, and engagement with local and Indigenous partners in Iqaluit and Pond Inlet, Nunavut.
From August to October, HMCS William Hall operated in the Northwest Passage and Eastern Arctic as part of Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK, and in support of the RCAF, CA, and Canadian Rangers on Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT. HMCS William Hall conducted maritime activities with French, German and Danish navies in the Labrador Sea before navigating the Northwest Passage to join Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT. These operations enhanced the CAF's domain awareness in the region and increased interoperability with other government departments, international partners, and allies.
Finally, in late October, the CAF's permanent regional task force headquarters in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, wrapped-up Operation NANOOK-TATIGIIT, a whole-of-government disaster rehearsal operation, which reinforced domestic and international Arctic partnerships and enhanced our ability to respond to security challenges and emergencies in the North.
