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Operational excellence at the heart of Canadian Armed Forces Arctic operations this season

National Defence

News release

November 17, 2025 - Ottawa - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

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 capabilitiesenabled 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 Auroraenhanced 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.

Quotes

"Asserting sovereignty in the Canadian Arctic is becoming more important than ever as our adversaries increase their activity in the region. These northern operations continue to create excellent opportunities for strengthened collaboration with our allies and partners. Defending Canada's North alongside our allies is critical to maintaining a secure North America."

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

"The Canadian Armed Forces' persistent presence in the Canadian Arctic strengthens domain awareness in the North and its surrounding areas, enhancing our ability to detect, deter and defend against emerging threats in this evolving environment. These operations demonstrate our enduring commitment to defending Canada, asserting our sovereignty, and contributing to a secure North America."

General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff

"The Canadian Armed Forces maintains a permanent Northern presence and is expanding its ability to project forces to conduct and sustain near-persistent Arctic operations. I am proud of the work our sailors, soldiers, aviators and rangers, along with joint and interagency partners and Indigenous communities achieved these past months. These efforts, along with those involving our allies and partners, assert our sovereignty and contribute to the defence of Canada and North America in this vital region."

Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

Quick facts

• Operation NANOOK is the Canadian Armed Forces' signature northern operation. It is a combined, joint, interagency, and multinational operation designed to provide a visible presence in the North and to demonstrate Canada's ability to respond effectively to safety and security incidents in the region. Operation NANOOK features multiple subordinate operations under its umbrella, such as TUUGAALIK, NUNAKPUT, TAKUNIQ, and TATIGIIT.

• Operation LATITUDE focuses on increasing domain awareness in the Western Arctic and its approaches, in addition to enhancing interoperability with the U.S. military in the context of continental defence.

• Canadian Special Operations Forces Command continues to have a routine presence in the Canadian Arctic and provides the Government of Canada with a unique set of capabilities, which further enable better detection, deterrence, and defence against threats to the Canadian Arctic region. This included two CE-145C Vigilance aircraft that supported Operation NANOOK by conducting specialized training in the regions of Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk.

• The Northern Interdepartmental Information Partner Network is led by Joint Task Force North and comprises the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Public Safety Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada, Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, Global Affairs Canada, Defence Research and Development Canada, the Government Operations Centre, Canadian Forces National Counter-Intelligence Unit, Canadian Forces Intelligence Command and the Marine Security Operation Centre - East.

• HMCS Regina is a Halifax-class frigate. These ships were built to be submarine hunters and to fight other warships and air threats in the open ocean.

• HMCS William Hall and HMCS Max Bernays are Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels, designed for a variety of missions, including surveillance and interdiction operations.

• HMCS Corner Brook is a Victoria-class submarine. These submarines form the core of the Royal Canadian Navy's underwater surveillance capabilities.

• The Naval Replenishment Unit operates from MV Asterix, which provides essential at-sea replenishment support, and serves as a viable bridge until the arrival of the RCN's two new Protecteur-class Joint Support Ships.