The Canadian Armed Forces have launched Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK, a maritime serial of Operation NANOOK running from August through October 2026 focused on sustaining Canada's presence in Arctic waters and strengthening the CAF's ability to operate in remote northern environments.

Allied ships join the patrol

His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Robert Hampton Gray will transit the waters of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago alongside the Canadian Coast Guard and other federal departments, joined by naval forces from the United States, France, and Denmark. Activities will include patrols, surveillance, community engagement, and refuelling. National Defence says the allied participation will strengthen interoperability and shared maritime awareness across the region.

The operation runs in coordination with NATO's enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY, which brings Alliance activities in the Arctic under a single operational approach and is intended to improve visibility of military movements and enable coordinated planning across the region.

Command perspective

"Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK demonstrates how Canada works effectively with allies and partners in the Arctic maritime domain," said Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command. He described Operation NANOOK as the CAF's means to detect activity across the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, deter challenges to Canadian sovereignty, and remain postured to defend it.

Rear-Admiral Pascal Belhumeur, Commander, Maritime Forces Atlantic, said TUUGAALIK reflects the professionalism of Canadian sailors working alongside allied partners in a demanding maritime environment, calling the integration and communication built through the exercise essential to both Canadian defence and Allied security in the Arctic.

Commander Brian Henwood, Commanding Officer of HMCS Robert Hampton Gray and Task Force Commander, said the deployment is about spending time where it matters most: on the water, building familiarity with the region, and strengthening relationships with northern communities and partners.

Part of a broader 2026 Arctic push

TUUGAALIK is one of six Operation NANOOK serials planned for 2026, alongside NUNALIVUT, QIMAAVIVUT, TAKUNIQ, TATIGIIT, and NUNAKPUT. Together, the serials support what DND describes as near-persistent CAF operations in the Arctic and North, enabled by Canada's permanent military presence in the region.

Royal Canadian Navy Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels, including HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, are purpose-built for northern waters and remote operating conditions. DND says environmental stewardship and respectful engagement with northern communities remain central to how the operation is planned and conducted, with efforts made to minimize environmental impact and avoid added strain on northern infrastructure and resources.