Canadian Armed Forces deploy on multiple Arctic operations this season

The Canadian Armed Forces is deploying military assets, capabilities, and personnel on multiple operations throughout the Arctic region this summer and early fall.

The Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command are committing ships, aircraft and personnel, while operations will consist of exercises and activities in coordination with the Canadian Coast Guard and United States military.

In the Western Arctic region, the Halifax-class Frigate HMCS Regina and the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel HMCS Max Bernays will sail from Esquimalt, British Columbia, and operate with Motor Vessel Asterix to enhance awareness and understanding of maritime activities in the region. These ships will work with RCAF CP-140 Aurora and CC-150 Polaris tanker aircraft, along with the U.S. military, throughout their deployment.

Across Baffin Island in the Northern Arctic region, the CA and Canadian Rangers will deploy a force alongside aviators and aircraft, such as the CC-138 Twin Otter, CH-146 Griffon, and CH-147F Chinook, to conduct patrols and other activities that will provide the CAF with real-time reconnaissance and response capabilities as part of Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT. Also participating are HMCS William Hall and CCG Cutter Pierre Radisson, as well as other government departments and partners. This operation runs from late August to mid-September.

In July, Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ concluded in the Northern Arctic region.

Finally, in the Eastern Arctic region, HMCS William Hall will depart from Halifax to navigate the Northwest Passage, increasing the CAF’s awareness in this important waterway. The ship will also visit several communities along the route as part of Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK also from mid-August to early October.