Canadian Armed Forces Bolster Arctic Presence with Multi-Region Operations

This summer and early fall, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have intensified their presence across the Arctic, deploying a diverse array of ships, aircraft, and personnel in a series of operations designed to uphold Canadian sovereignty and strengthen continental security. From the icy waters of the Western Arctic to the rugged expanses of Baffin Island, CAF units are actively engaged in exercises that reinforce Canada’s ability to detect, deter, and defend against potential threats.

“Asserting sovereignty in the Canadian Arctic is becoming ever more important as our adversaries increase their activity in the region. These northern operations also create excellent opportunities for strengthened collaboration with our allies and partners. Ensuring that Canada’s North is well defended is a critical component of maintaining a secure North American homeland,” explained the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence.

In the Western Arctic, stretching across the Bering and Chukchi Seas, naval operations are in full swing. Halifax-class frigate HMCS Regina and the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel HMCS Max Bernays departed from Esquimalt, British Columbia, alongside the supply vessel MV Asterix, conducting patrols to monitor maritime activity and maintain situational awareness. Their efforts are bolstered by Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CP-140 Aurora surveillance aircraft and CC-150 Polaris tanker planes, operating in tandem with U.S. forces. These deployments form part of Operation LATITUDE, which began in mid-August and continues across the Alaskan Theater of Operations. The operation includes CAF contributions to the U.S.-led Northern Edge 25 exercise and follow-on support to Alaskan Command, highlighting the collaborative nature of Arctic defence in the North American context.

From sea to sky, CAF operations deliver critical reconnaissance and patrol capabilities across Canada’s Northern regions. Image source: https://ift.tt/WUexAL3

“Operating continually in the Canadian Arctic and its approaches is vital to strengthening Canada’s ability to deter potential threats and assert our sovereignty. By enhancing our domain awareness in the North, we ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces remains ready to defend Canada, and the North American continent,” said General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff.

Further east, across the vast reaches of Baffin Island, the Canadian Army (CA) and Canadian Rangers are deploying agile forces to complement the air capabilities of the RCAF. Utilizing aircraft including the CC-138 Twin Otter, CH-146 Griffon, and CH-147F Chinook, CAF personnel conduct patrols and reconnaissance missions that deliver real-time operational insights. HMCS William Hall and Canadian Coast Guard cutter Pierre Radisson provide maritime support, while the operation—Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT—draws on the expertise of multiple government departments and regional partners. Scheduled from late August through mid-September, these coordinated efforts ensure that the CAF maintains a persistent and effective presence across the Northern Arctic region.

Multi-domain operations across the Western, Northern, and Eastern Arctic demonstrate Canada’s commitment to security, sovereignty, and partnership. Image source: https://ift.tt/WUexAL3

Earlier this summer, Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ wrapped up in the Northern Arctic. Canadian Rangers, supported by the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, carried out long-range reconnaissance patrols across Ellesmere Island—on foot, in all-terrain vehicles, and aboard CC-138 Twin Otter aircraft. With backing from the RCAF’s 440 (Transport) Squadron and Airfield Surface Assessment and Reconnaissance teams, the mission gathered critical infrastructure and logistical intelligence, validated operational capabilities, and informed future planning for Arctic security and sovereignty activities.

In the Eastern Arctic, HMCS William Hall set sail from Halifax to navigate the Northwest Passage under Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK. Running from mid-August to early October, the operation not only enhances maritime awareness in this strategically vital waterway but also involves visits to local communities, strengthening ties and cooperation across the region.

“Defending Canada’s Arctic is integral to defending Canada and Canadian interests. The detection, deterrence, and defence of Canada against any potential threat is a core mission of the Canadian Armed Forces, as is the defence of North America in partnership with the United States. These operations strengthen Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic and directly contribute to the security of our shared continent,” stated Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command.

Across all Arctic operations, the CAF works in close partnership with Inuit and Northern Indigenous governments and communities. This collaborative approach ensures that Canada’s security and sovereignty efforts are guided by Indigenous knowledge, governance, and stewardship. Defence planning aligns with legal obligations and policy commitments, including Northern land claims agreements, the Inuit Nunangat Policy, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan, ensuring that operational priorities advance national security while respecting Indigenous rights and interests.

With these deployments, the Canadian Armed Forces are not only reinforcing national security but also affirming a commitment to meaningful engagement in Canada’s North—where sovereignty, safety, and community collaboration intersect in the challenging Arctic environment.