February 1, 2026 – Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown set sail from its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a six-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region in support of Operations HORIZON and NEON.
Operation HORIZON is Canada’s comprehensive military approach to promote peace and stability in support of an international system based on international law in the Indo-Pacific region. Operation NEON is Canada’s contribution to a coordinated multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea. Both operations demonstrate an enduring defence commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and enhance Canada’s role as a trusted international partner.
During this deployment, HMCS Charlottetown will showcase the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)’s operational excellence and ability to project power across vast ocean spaces while working alongside Canada’s allies and partners through multinational exercises and cooperative engagements. By maintaining a near persistent naval presence with consistent engagement, the RCN strengthens regional security and stability in the region as part of Canada’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Quotes
“The Indo-Pacific is rapidly becoming the world’s centre of economic growth and strategic importance and many issues that matters to Canadians, from national security and economic prosperity to human rights and environmental protection, can be shaped by our relationships in this region. This is why the Royal Canadian Navy deploys warships annually to work alongside our allies and partners in the region. I commend the sailors of HMCS Charlottetown for their dedication and professionalism in training and preparing for this deployment, and I am sure they will represent Canada well during their important mission.” — Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic & Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic
“HMCS Charlottetown’s deployment demonstrates Canada’s unwavering commitment to working with our allies and partners to uphold peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. The ship’s company of HMCS Charlottetown has been working hard to prepare for both Operation HORIZON and Operation NEON and is proud to represent Canada on the world stage and contribute to a safer, more stable region. I have the utmost confidence in their ability to display excellence at sea and enhance interoperability with allied navies.” — Commander Jonathan Maurice, Commanding Officer HMCS Charlottetown
Quick facts
Operation HORIZON reflects the Canadian Armed Forces increased presence in the Indo-Pacific region and is the assigned military mission implementing the defence elements of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy by deploying more conventional and special operations forces to the region, participating in more multilateral exercises, and strengthening military-to-military cooperation.
Operation HORIZON encompasses broader military activities conducted by the RCN, the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, Canadian Armed Forces Joint and Combined Space Program, and Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command.
Since 2018, Canada periodically deploys warships, aircraft, and personnel under Operation NEON to strengthen maritime interdiction measures through surveillance operations. This includes identifying suspected maritime sanction evasion activities, in particular ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and other commodities, banned by the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
HMCS Charlottetown is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of approximately 240 personnel comprising RCN sailors as well as RCAF aviators to fly and support the ship’s embarked CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter.
