The Canadian Armed Forces have launched a new Arctic operation designed to strengthen Canada‘s military presence and operational readiness across the country’s northern territories.
Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT began on August 25 and will continue through September 25 in and around Resolute Bay, Nunavut, bringing together Canadian military personnel and multiple government and community partners.
The operation combines maritime, land and air capabilities as Canada seeks to improve its ability to monitor, move through and operate across the challenging Arctic environment.
Operation Focuses on Canada’s Northern Territory
The name NUNAKPUT comes from Inuktitut and means “Our Land,” reflecting the operation’s emphasis on maintaining a sustained Canadian presence throughout the Arctic Archipelago.
Rather than operating in isolation, the Canadian Armed Forces are working closely with Indigenous communities, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other partners during the exercise.
This approach is intended to strengthen coordination in remote northern communities while supporting Canada’s broader responsibilities in the Arctic.
Maritime, Land and Air Forces Join Effort
A central feature of this year’s operation is the integration of Canada’s military capabilities across different domains.
Personnel and assets operating on land, at sea and in the air will work together to improve Arctic surveillance, mobility and readiness.
The exercise is also designed to test and strengthen the CAF’s ability to deploy joint forces to remote northern locations, maintain them there and conduct sustained operations in difficult conditions.
Arctic Surveillance and Mobility Remain Priorities
The vast distances and demanding environment of Canada’s Arctic present unique logistical and operational challenges.
Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT provides an opportunity for Canadian forces to practise responding to those challenges while improving their ability to monitor activity across the region.
The operation also supports the security and safe use of northern waterways, while contributing to efforts aimed at building more resilient Arctic communities.
Indigenous Partnerships Remain Central
The involvement of Indigenous communities is an important element of the operation.
By working alongside local partners, the Canadian Armed Forces can strengthen their understanding of the Arctic environment while improving coordination with communities that have extensive knowledge and experience of the region.
The partnership model also reflects Canada’s broader approach to Arctic security, where military readiness is combined with cooperation among federal agencies, local communities and other organisations.
NANOOK Operations Continue Throughout the Year
Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT is part of a broader series of Canadian Arctic operations that take place throughout the year.
Another major activity, Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK, is focused on maintaining a maritime presence in the region and is scheduled to continue until October.
Together, these activities provide the Canadian Armed Forces with repeated opportunities to maintain Arctic expertise and readiness rather than relying on a single annual deployment.
Canada Reinforces Its Arctic Defence Role
Canada’s Arctic operations also form part of its wider responsibilities as an Arctic nation and a founding member of NATO.
Ottawa has increasingly emphasised the importance of maintaining a stronger Allied presence in the region as Arctic security becomes more strategically significant.
Canada is also supporting enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY as part of broader efforts to strengthen awareness and defence cooperation across the northern region.
What the Operation Means for Canada’s Arctic Readiness
By combining military forces with civilian agencies, Indigenous communities and other mission partners, Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT is intended to strengthen Canada’s ability to respond to challenges in one of the country’s most remote and strategically important regions.
The month-long deployment will provide practical experience in Arctic surveillance, mobility, logistics and joint operations while reinforcing Canada’s presence across the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
As the operation continues through September 25, its wider objective will remain focused on ensuring that Canadian forces can operate effectively in the North while contributing to secure waterways and resilient communities.
