Canada and Portugal Strengthen North Atlantic Search and Rescue Cooperation
Press Release
July 13, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Canada and Portugal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Aeronautical Search and Rescue (SAR) Cooperation, reinforcing a long-standing partnership in North Atlantic SAR operations.
The Canada–Portugal MOU formalizes a longstanding operational relationship between Canada’s Department of National Defence and the Portuguese Republic’s Ministry of National Defence, strengthening cooperation in a key North Atlantic search and rescue region. As Canada’s Halifax’s SAR Region and Portugal’s SAR Region operate in close proximity across this vast ocean area, the agreement enhances coordination, information sharing, and the development of common procedures and best practices, while respecting each nation’s SAR responsibilities.
The signing of the MOU coincided with the completion of Advanced Search and Rescue Exercise (ASAREX) 2026. Conducted from 1 to 12 July 2026, in Ponta Delgada, Azores, ASAREX brought together SAR professionals from Canada, Portugal, and other North Atlantic partners to train in one of the world’s most demanding maritime environments.
Through realistic scenarios involving long-range coordination, maritime distress response, and multinational SAR operations, participants strengthened interoperability and enhanced their ability to respond effectively when lives are at risk far from shore. Since 2015, Canada and Portugal have participated in ASAREX to build professional relationships, refine operational procedures, and capture lessons learned that support real-world SAR operations.
Canada and Portugal’s enduring SAR collaboration has improved both nations’ capacity to respond to incidents in the North Atlantic and contributes to the effectiveness of multinational SAR efforts across the region. The conclusion of ASAREX 2026 and the signing of the Canada–Portugal MOU reaffirm both nations’ commitment to saving lives, enhancing readiness, and supporting those in distress at sea through strong international partnerships.
Quotes
“Search and rescue in the North Atlantic depends on well trained people, good equipment, trust, interoperability and enduring relationships with allies and partners. This memorandum of understanding with Portugal formalizes a relationship that has been built over years of operational cooperation and exercises like ASAREX, ensuring our forces can respond quickly and effectively when lives are at risk far from shore.’’
Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command
“The signing of this memorandum of understanding represents another step in strengthening the committed cooperation built over the years between Portugal and Canada regarding Aeronautical Search and Rescue. In a context where North Atlantic challenges demand more and more close coordination between international partners, this agreement enhances interoperability, fosters knowledge sharing, and contributes to a more effective joint response, with the mission of safeguarding human life."
Brigadier-General Francisco Dionísio, Commander, Portuguese Air Force
Quick facts
ASAREX is an annual multinational SAR exercise conducted in the North Atlantic since 2015, involving Canada, Portugal, and other regional partners.
Collaboration developed through ASAREX has supported real-world SAR operations, including:
The April 2024 medical evacuation of a crew member aboard the French sailing vessel Grain de Sail II, coordinated between Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Ponta Delgada.
The multinational search for the overdue sailing vessel Theros in 2024, involving JRCC Halifax, Portuguese SAR authorities, and the Portuguese Air Force.
Continued cooperation between Canadian and Portuguese SAR organizations responsible for adjacent search and rescue regions in the North Atlantic.
Canada’s SAR system is a whole-of-government effort delivered in close cooperation with domestic and international partners to ensure a rapid and effective response across one of the world’s largest and most challenging SAR areas.
The past shows that discipline can defeat numbers, but discipline itself requires years of quiet preparation. Armies are built long before anyone hears the guns.
Ok. Now I understand the to and fro of the Kingfishers from Greenwood to the Azores. The route has been on the frequent flyers list of late. Had the opportunity to chase submarines out of there. The crews probably enjoy the diversion.