The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have launched a month-long operation across the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, bringing together military capabilities, Indigenous communities and federal partners to strengthen surveillance, mobility and readiness in one of Canada’s most strategically important regions.

Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT is underway in and around Resolute Bay, Nunavut, and will continue until September 25. Combining maritime, land and air capabilities, the operation is designed to maintain a sustained presence in the Arctic while strengthening the CAF’s ability to deploy, support and operate joint forces in remote northern environments.

The operation takes its name from Nunakput, an Inuktitut word meaning “Our Land,” reflecting an approach that relies on close collaboration with Indigenous communities, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other mission partners. Together, those relationships support the CAF’s ability to operate effectively across the vast distances and challenging conditions of the North.

For Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, the operation is part of a broader and sustained commitment to protecting Canada’s northern approaches.

“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.’’

That sustained presence is being reinforced through practical cooperation on the ground. Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT is intended not only to enhance surveillance and mobility, but also to improve the CAF’s ability to deploy and sustain joint forces in remote northern regions while supporting safe waterways and resilient communities.

Those partnerships are particularly important to Joint Task Force North, which works alongside communities and federal organizations across a vast area of operations. Brigadier-General Marc Parent, Commander of Joint Task Force North, said that cooperation is fundamental to building readiness in the region.

“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.”

NANOOK-NUNAKPUT is one component of a wider Canadian military presence in the North. Operation NANOOK is conducted throughout the year alongside other Arctic activities, including Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK, which is focused on maintaining a maritime presence in the region and will continue until October.

Those activities are unfolding as Canada places increased emphasis on Arctic security at both the national and allied levels. As an Arctic nation and founding member of NATO, Canada continues to support a stronger Allied presence in the region, including through enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY.

Taken together, the operations are strengthening the CAF’s ability to maintain a sustained presence, work with northern partners and respond across the Canadian Arctic Archipelago—building the operational experience and relationships needed to protect Canada’s northern approaches.