August 25, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have launched Operation NANOOK‑NUNAKPUT, taking place until September 25 in and around Resolute Bay, Nunavut.
Nunakput, an Inuktitut word meaning "Our Land," reflects the operation's focus on maintaining a sustained presence along the Canadian Arctic Archipelago through close collaboration with Indigenous communities, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and other mission partners. This year's operation integrates maritime, land, and air capabilities to enhance Arctic surveillance, mobility, and operational readiness. It also strengthens the CAF's ability to deploy, sustain, and operate joint forces in remote northern regions while supporting safe waterways and resilient communities.
Operation NANOOK is conducted throughout the year alongside other Arctic operations. For example, Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK, which focuses on a maritime presence in the region, is underway until October. As an Arctic nation and a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Canada continues to support a stronger Allied presence in the Arctic, including through enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY.
Quotes
Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT reflects the Canadian Armed Forces’ enduring commitment to the Arctic and the North. Working closely with northern partners, federal agencies, and international allies, we are strengthening our ability to monitor activity across the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, deter threats to regional stability, and defend Canada’s sovereignty in this strategically vital region. Through a permanent presence and near-persistent operation, the Canadian Armed Forces remains ready, capable, and engaged in protecting Canada’s northern approaches and advancing security in the Arctic.’’
Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command
"Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT highlights the strength of the partnerships that enable us to operate successfully in Canada's Arctic. Working alongside northern Indigenous communities, the Canadian Coast Guard, and other mission partners, Joint Task Force North is strengthening relationships, enhancing readiness, and improving the Canadian Armed Forces ability to respond effectively across the Canadian Arctic Archipelago when called upon."
Brigadier-General Marc Parent, Commander, Joint Task Force North
Quick facts
More than 350 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel, including Canadian Rangers, are participating in the operation.
Participating organizations include the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Coast Guard, Joint Task Force North, and Canadian Rangers.
Key activities include surveillance training, air and land mobility exercises, the movement of heavy equipment, and integrated air, land and maritime activities.
Community engagement activities include a Terry Fox Run on September 4 and a Community Relations Day on September 5, providing opportunities for exercise participants to meet with residents and community partners.
Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT strengthens Canada's permanent presence and near-persistent operational posture in the Arctic by enhancing the CAF's ability to deploy, operate, and sustain forces in remote northern environments.
The operation reinforces Canada's commitment to Arctic sovereignty, continental defence, and the security of North America while strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities that are critical to successful Arctic operations.
Operation NANOOK supports North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY, contributing to awareness, deterrence, and defence across the Arctic region.