In a significant step toward enhancing international naval cooperation, the Royal Canadian Navy’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), HMCS Margaret Brooke (AOPV 431), recently conducted joint exercises with the Peruvian Navy. The exercises, which took place following a four-day visit to the Callao Naval Base in Peru, underscored Canada’s commitment to fostering maritime partnerships and interoperability in the Americas. This collaboration, occurring in mid-April 2025, highlighted the capabilities of both navies and reinforced diplomatic and defense ties between Canada and Peru.
On April 14, 2025, HMCS Margaret Brooke departed from Peru’s Callao Naval Base alongside two Peruvian Navy vessels: the Lupo-class frigate BAP Bolognesi (FM-57) and the 209/1200-class submarine BAP Angamos (SS-31). The joint exercises were designed to enhance interoperability between the Canadian and Peruvian navies, focusing on improving coordination, communication, and operational effectiveness in maritime scenarios. These drills provided an opportunity for both navies to share expertise, test joint operational protocols, and strengthen their ability to work together in future multinational missions.
The Peruvian Navy, known for its robust presence in the Pacific, brought significant assets to the exercises. BAP Bolognesi, a guided-missile frigate, and BAP Angamos, a diesel-electric submarine, are key components of Peru’s maritime defense strategy. The inclusion of a submarine in the exercises likely allowed for complex scenarios involving surface and subsurface operations, testing the ability of HMCS Margaret Brooke to coordinate with diverse naval platforms.
According to posts on X and reports from Zona Militar, the exercises were a success, with both navies demonstrating high levels of professionalism and readiness. The Peruvian Navy emphasized the importance of these drills in elevating interoperability, a critical factor in addressing shared maritime challenges such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and disaster response in the region.
The joint exercises with the Peruvian Navy are part of HMCS Margaret Brooke’s broader mission under Operation PROJECTION 2025, which includes port calls across South America and scientific research in Antarctica. This deployment marks the first time a Royal Canadian Navy vessel has circumnavigated South America and visited the Antarctic continent, showcasing Canada’s expanding maritime capabilities and commitment to polar operations. The ship’s visit to Peru, one of several diplomatic stops, was supported by Global Affairs Canada to strengthen ties with South American nations.
Commander Teri Share, speaking during the ship’s earlier stop in Argentina, highlighted the mission’s scientific and diplomatic objectives. “This is the first time the Royal Canadian Navy has embarked on a mission of this kind to Antarctica,” she noted, emphasizing the ship’s role in supporting 15 Canadian scientists conducting maritime and terrestrial research. The exercises with Peru further demonstrate the ship’s versatility, balancing scientific, diplomatic, and defense roles.
For Peru, the collaboration with Canada aligns with its efforts to modernize its navy and enhance regional security cooperation. The Peruvian Navy has recently tested advanced weaponry, such as Exocet Block 3 missiles, indicating a focus on maintaining a capable and interoperable force. The joint exercises with HMCS Margaret Brooke provided a valuable opportunity to engage with a modern Arctic patrol vessel, potentially informing Peru’s own naval strategies for extreme environments.