August 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Canada. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have launched a series of robust operations in the Arctic this summer and early fall, reinforcing Canada’s sovereignty in the region amid growing geopolitical interest. Central to these efforts are the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and its critical role in asserting maritime presence and enhancing domain awareness in Canada’s northern waters. These deployments underscore the RCN’s commitment to detecting, deterring, and defending against potential threats in the Arctic, a region of increasing strategic importance.
Naval Operations in the Western Arctic: Operation LATITUDE
In the Western Arctic, including the Bering and Chukchi Seas, the RCN is deploying key vessels: the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Regina and the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) HMCS Max Bernays. Departing from Esquimalt, British Columbia, these ships will operate alongside the Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix, a naval replenishment ship, to enhance maritime awareness and monitor activities in the region. This deployment is part of Operation LATITUDE, a mission commencing in mid-August that focuses on interoperability with the United States military and supports the U.S.-led Northern Edge 25 exercise, as well as follow-on activities with Alaskan Command.
The inclusion of HMCS Regina, a versatile frigate equipped for multi-role operations, and HMCS Max Bernays, specifically designed for Arctic conditions with enhanced icebreaking capabilities, demonstrates the RCN’s ability to operate in challenging northern environments. The MV Asterix provides critical logistical support, enabling extended operations far from home ports. These efforts aim to strengthen Canada’s understanding of maritime activities in the Western Arctic, a region seeing increased traffic due to melting ice and growing international interest. The collaboration with U.S. forces further enhances North American defense coordination, aligning with the CAF’s core mission to protect the continent.
Navigating the Northwest Passage: Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK
In the Eastern Arctic, the RCN is deploying Harry DeWolf-class HMCS William Hall from Halifax to navigate the Northwest Passage as part of Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK, running from mid-August to early October. This operation focuses on increasing situational awareness in this iconic and strategically vital waterway, which has become more navigable due to climate change.
HMCS William Hall will also engage with Northern communities along the route, fostering relationships with Inuit and Indigenous governments. These community visits reflect the CAF’s commitment to meaningful partnerships that respect Indigenous knowledge, governance, and stewardship of the land, aligning with Canada’s legal obligations under Northern land claims agreements and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Harry DeWolf-class vessels, like HMCS William Hall and HMCS Max Bernays, are purpose-built for Arctic operations, capable of navigating ice-covered waters and operating in extreme conditions. Their deployment in the Northwest Passage not only asserts Canada’s sovereignty but also ensures a visible naval presence in a region where international maritime activity is on the rise.
Coordination with the Canadian Coast Guard: Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT
In the Northern Arctic, specifically around Baffin Island, the RCN is collaborating with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) on Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT, running from late August to mid-September. HMCS William Hall will operate alongside CCG Cutter Pierre Radisson, combining naval and coast guard capabilities to conduct patrols and enhance real-time reconnaissance. This joint effort, which also involves the Canadian Army, Canadian Rangers, and Royal Canadian Air Force assets, underscores the CAF’s integrated approach to Arctic security. The operation aims to provide rapid response capabilities and improve domain awareness, ensuring Canada can address potential threats or incidents in the region effectively.
The partnership with the CCG is particularly significant as the government has announced plans to integrate the Coast Guard into the Department of National Defence to bolster Arctic security. This transition, still in its planning stages, will enhance coordination between the RCN and CCG, creating a more unified approach to maritime operations in the North.
Strategic Context and Importance
The Arctic is increasingly a focal point for great power competition, with nations like Russia and China showing growing interest in the region’s resources and shipping routes. Posts on X have highlighted concerns about Canada’s Arctic defenses, noting the region as a potential “undefended backdoor” due to limited military presence compared to adversaries like Russia. However, the CAF’s current deployments demonstrate a proactive response to these challenges.
The RCN’s operations under Operation NANOOK and Operation LATITUDE are part of a broader strategy outlined in Canada’s defense policy, Our North, Strong and Free. This policy includes significant investments, such as $2.67 billion over 20 years to establish Northern Operational Support Hubs in Iqaluit, Inuvik, and Yellowknife, which will further enhance the CAF’s year-round presence and responsiveness in the Arctic. These hubs will support naval operations by providing logistical bases, airstrips, and equipment, extending the RCN’s operational reach in remote northern regions.
Commitment to Sovereignty and Partnerships
The RCN’s deployments are not just about military presence but also about building trust with Northern communities. By working closely with Inuit and Indigenous partners, the RCN ensures its operations respect local governance and knowledge. This approach is critical in a region where Indigenous peoples have a deep connection to the land and play a vital role in its stewardship. The CAF’s collaboration with other government departments, territorial governments, and international allies like the United States further strengthens its ability to operate effectively in the Arctic.
As Minister of National Defence David McGuinty emphasized, “Asserting sovereignty in the Canadian Arctic is becoming ever more important as our adversaries increase their activity in the region.” The RCN’s deployments are a clear signal of Canada’s commitment to defending its northern borders while fostering cooperation with allies and partners.
General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, added, “Operating continually in the Canadian Arctic and its approaches is vital to strengthening Canada’s ability to deter potential threats and assert our sovereignty.”