August 14, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have launched Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK, a serial of Operation NANOOK running from August through October that focuses on maintaining a maritime presence in the Arctic, enhancing regional awareness, and strengthening the CAF’s ability to operate effectively in remote northern environments.
During the operation, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Robert Hampton Gray will be joined by the Canadian Coast Guard and other Canadian government departments as well as naval forces from the United States, France, and Denmark, as they transit through waters of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago conducting activities including patrols, surveillance, community engagement, and refuelling. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allied participation will strengthen interoperability and shared maritime awareness in the region.
Conducting Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK in collaboration with allies and partners will reinforce Canada’s sovereignty and demonstrate our commitment to strengthening NATO’s Arctic posture. Throughout the year, Operation NANOOK serials are conducted in coordination with NATO activities, including the enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY which contributes to NATO deterrence and defence efforts, further reinforcing collective security and resilience across the Alliance and the Arctic.
Quotes
“Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK demonstrates how Canada works effectively with allies and partners in the Arctic maritime domain. OP NANOOK is the Canadian Armed Forces’ operation to detect activities across waters of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, to deter actors from challenging Canadian sovereignty and be postured to defend it.”
Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command
“TUUGAALIK showcases the professionalism and adaptability of our sailors operating side‑by‑side with Allied partners in one of Canada’s most demanding maritime environments. These operations strengthen how we integrate, communicate, and respond together at sea—capabilities that are essential to Canada’s defence and to Allied security in the Arctic.”
Rear-Admiral Pascal Belhumeur, Commander, Maritime Forces Atlantic
“For our ships, crews, and allies, TUUGAALIK is about spending time where it matters most: on the water, in the Arctic, exercising together to build familiarity with the region and maintaining awareness at sea. Every patrol deepens our understanding of the operating environment, our capabilities, and strengthens the relationships we have with communities and partners across the North.”
Commander Brian Henwood, Commanding Officer, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray and Task Force Commander
Quick facts
Operation NANOOK is Canada’s signature Arctic operation, and Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK is one of several serials that will be conducted in 2026.
Operation NANOOK also includes serials NUNALIVUT, QIMAAVIVUT, TAKUNIQ, TATIGIIT, and NUNAKPUT.
Operation NANOOK serials are conducted year‑round, supporting near‑persistent CAF operations that are enabled by Canada’s permanent military presence in the Arctic and North.
Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK focuses on maritime presence and surveillance across Canada’s Arctic and northern waters.
Royal Canadian Navy Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels such as HMCS Robert Hampton Gray are designed to operate effectively in northern waters and remote environments.
Environmental stewardship and respectful engagement with northern communities remain central to Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK. Operations are planned and conducted to minimize environmental impact, respect local conditions, and avoid placing additional strain on northern infrastructure and resources.
NATO’s enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY brings NATO activities in the Arctic together under a single, overarching operational approach. By integrating Allied capabilities, the activity enhances visibility of military movements and enables coordinated planning and execution across the region.
Ya , No . Keep the Yankee's out OF OUR ARCTIC . They refuses to recognize our Sovereignty over it and always have . We almost got into a shooting scrap with them in the 80's over it , it ended in Canada signing several Arctic Treaties with the USSR to get the point across to the Yankee's . These treaties where on everything from pollution control to Mutual Defence concerning the Canadian North West Passage and the Russia North East passage . Keep in mind this was during the Cold War ...Our MAIN goal in the Arctic has always been to keep U.S. OUT , WTF is our government doing ? Spend Money on Canadas Defence , NOT North Americans . Spend Money on His Majesty's Canadian Armed Forces working with TRUSTED Allies within NATO ....NOT the U.S. in NORAD .
This Kind of crap is the quickest way to lose Canadians backing for paying into Defence . Pay to defend Canada from all potential adversaries , including the Yankee's or you will end up again with $0 for defence . The Canadian Government needs to wake up and remember where Canadians have ALWAYS stood on this subject . Canadians want a boost in Defence spending to use AGAINST the U.S. if needs be , not any one else . Yes we should 100% increase our defence spending for NATO in the defence of Europe from a Russian Threat . Yes we need to pay attention to a Russian Threat in the North . The U.S. is a Threat from the South , North , East and West . They always have been and always will be ( This is not a Trump thing ) . Failure to take this into account will get Defence Funding Cut , same thing will happen again and again until the Government takes Canadas Defence Priorities seriously .
This sounds like a great exercise, particularly with naval forces from the US, Denmark, and France. Noah, any indication whether this will be a case of embarked allied personnel on the HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, or will it be accompanied by naval vessels from those countries?