Canadian Armed Forces strengthen Arctic mobility and operational support during Operation NANOOK-QIMAAVIVUT
Press Release
July 30, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has launched Operation (Op) NANOOK-QIMAAVIVUT, a military engineering activity conducted under Op NANOOK, Canada's signature Arctic operation. Taking place from July to September 2026, Op NANOOK-QIMAAVIVUT helps prepare the CAF for current and future operations by improving the military’s ability to move personnel and equipment, sustain operations, and provide support across Canada's Arctic and North.
Operating in a region characterized by vast distances, limited infrastructure, and challenging environmental conditions, CAF personnel will conduct engineering reconnaissance and infrastructure assessments near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, survey airfield conditions across the Arctic, and conduct site assessments along the Labrador coast. Information collected during the operation will support future operational planning and identify engineering, mobility, and sustainment requirements for conducting year-round operations in remote northern environments.
Op NANOOK-QIMAAVIVUT is conducted alongside other Op NANOOK activities and in coordination with broader Arctic security efforts, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY. Together, these activities contribute to awareness, readiness, and defence across the Arctic while supporting Canada's sovereignty, security, and continental defence objectives.
Quotes
“Operation NANOOK-QIMAAVIVUT strengthens the practical foundations that enable effective Arctic operations. By improving mobility, sustainment, and operational support, we ensure the Canadian Armed Forces can operate effectively across Canada’s Arctic and North, in all seasons.”
Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command
“QIMAAVIVUT is about enabling operations today and into the future. By improving access, mobility, and sustainment in challenging environments, we are improving how the CAF supports operations across the North while respecting local conditions and communities.”
Brigadier-General Marc Parent, Commander, Joint Task Force North
Quick facts
Op NANOOK-QIMAAVIVUT is led by small teams of CAF military engineers, supported by Joint Task Force North, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Canadian Army, and the Canadian Forces Joint Operational Support Group.
As part of the operation, the CAF will conduct Airfield Assessment and Reconnaissance activities at remote northern airfields to evaluate the suitability of airstrips and aviation infrastructure for future Arctic operations and emergency response requirements.
The operation supports Canada's broader efforts to strengthen Arctic and continental defence by improving understanding of infrastructure limitations, access challenges, and logistical realities across Canada’s Arctic and North.
Op NANOOK-QIMAAVIVUT complements other Op NANOOK serials, contributing to a coordinated, multi-season approach to CAF operations across Canada’s Arctic and North.
The operation strengthens the CAF's ability to maintain a near‑persistent presence in the Arctic, while lessons learned identify future infrastructure, sustainment, and operational support requirements needed to enable operations across the region.
Op NANOOK-QIMAAVIVUT complements NATO's enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY by improving the access, mobility, and operational support that enable Canada and Allies to operate effectively in the Arctic region.