OTTAWA — The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is participating in Operation LATITUDE, a recurring sovereignty and continental defence mission demonstrating Canada’s ability to operate routinely and effectively alongside Allied forces in northern waters.
The operation forms part of the CAF’s broader approach to enhanced Arctic and Northern operations, maintaining a permanent presence and sustained activities across the region while supporting core missions to detect, deter, and defend Canada against potential threats.
Operation LATITUDE underscores Canada’s commitment to Arctic sovereignty and the defence of North America in partnership with the United States. It aligns with NATO activities, including enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) ARCTIC SENTRY, which consolidates Alliance efforts in the Arctic under a single operational approach. Together, these initiatives reinforce security interests and promote stability across the Arctic and the North.
“Operation LATITUDE is a Canadian Armed Forces sovereignty operation conducted alongside our Allies in northern waters. Through regular, professional and coordinated activities, we reinforce Arctic sovereignty, protect Canada’s northern approaches and defend North American territory against evolving security threats,” said Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command.
Multi-Domain Participation and Key Assets
The operation will involve the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, and the Canadian Coast Guard working in close cooperation with U.S. armed forces. Participating Royal Canadian Navy ships will include His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa, HMCS Max Bernays, and HMCS Robert Hampton Gray. These ships operate alongside U.S. forces in combined and joint multi-domain operations.
Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora aircraft provide long-range surveillance and reconnaissance, contributing to a layered understanding of northern maritime approaches. Canadian Special Operations Forces Command members participate as part of routine Arctic activities, delivering specialized capabilities that enhance awareness and readiness. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Des Groseilliers joins CAF and U.S. partners, illustrating a whole-of-government approach to operations in Canada’s Arctic and northern waters.
Operation LATITUDE complements activities under Operation NANOOK and supports a layered approach to awareness, deterrence, and defence across North America’s northern approaches.
Quick Facts
- Operation LATITUDE is a recurring CAF operation conducted in northern waters, including the Bering Sea, focused on enhancing awareness and interoperability in support of continental defence, and reinforcing the CAF’s ability to operate in a complex northern environment.
- The operation includes His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa, HMCS Max Bernays, and HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, operating alongside U.S. armed forces as part of combined and joint multi-domain operations.
- Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora aircraft support the operation through long-range surveillance and reconnaissance, contributing to a layered understanding of northern maritime approaches.
- Canadian Special Operations Forces Command members participate as part of routine Arctic activities, contributing specialized capabilities that support awareness and readiness in northern environments.
- The Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Des Groseilliers participates alongside CAF and U.S. partners, demonstrating a whole-of-government approach to operating in Canada’s Arctic and northern waters.
- Operation LATITUDE supports the CAF’s broader approach to enhanced Arctic operations, alongside activities conducted under Operation NANOOK, reinforcing Canada’s permanent presence and near-persistent operations across the Arctic and the North.
- Operation LATITUDE contributes to Canada’s role in continental defence, strengthening cooperation with the U.S. and supporting a layered approach to awareness, deterrence, and defence across North America’s northern approaches.
