Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT 2026 Underway: Canada Deploys Largest Contingent to Assert Arctic Sovereignty

Canadian Armed Forces Launch Major Arctic Sovereignty Exercise

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have commenced Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT 2026 (Op NA-NU 26), a significant exercise aimed at asserting Canadian Arctic sovereignty and bolstering defense capabilities in the High Arctic. The 3rd Canadian Division has deployed approximately 750 troops and nearly 200 vehicles and pieces of equipment, including two M777 howitzers, into the Arctic region. This year's iteration marks the largest CAF contribution to Op NA-NU since the broader Operation NANOOK series began in 2007. The operation is scheduled to run from February 14 to April 15, 2026, with preparatory road movements beginning a week prior.

Extensive Deployment and International Collaboration

In total, up to 1,300 CAF members are participating in Op NA-NU 26, alongside allied military personnel from the United States, Belgium, France, and Denmark. The exercise spans across all three northern territories: the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. Key locations for activities include Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀, and Inuvik in the N.W.T.; Cambridge Bay in Nunavut; and Whitehorse in Yukon. The operation is primarily centered on the Amundsen Gulf region of Nunavut near Cambridge Bay. Additional activities are being conducted at the Edzo Airport and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation's Bluefish Hydro Station near Prosperous Lake. Units involved include Joint Task Force (North), Joint Task Force – NUNALIVUT (JTFNU) Headquarters, a Land Task Force (LTF), and the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1 CRPG).

Objectives and Training Activities

The core objectives of Op NA-NU 26 include asserting sovereignty across Canada's Arctic archipelago, enhancing Arctic defense capabilities, and improving interoperability in extreme northern conditions. The operation also aims to detect, deter, and defend against threats to Canada and North America, while strengthening defense alliances with organizations such as NATO, NORAD, and the Five Eyes nations. Training activities are diverse and rigorous, encompassing patrols, demonstrations, and testing under harsh environmental conditions. Notably, the two M777 155-millimetre howitzers were transported from Canadian Forces Base Shilo to Cambridge Bay for testing and firing. Troops are also undergoing critical survival training, including cold-water immersion exercises, to prepare for real-world Arctic missions. The CAF is actively engaging with local Indigenous communities and governments throughout the exercise, integrating traditional knowledge into modern military training.

Strategic Importance for Canadian Arctic Security

Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT 2026 is a subordinate operation under the wider Operation NANOOK umbrella, which is a series of annual events designed to exercise the defense of Canada and secure its northern regions. This year's operation aligns with Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and 'Our North Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence.' By operating regularly across the region, the CAF aims to improve its ability to detect potential threats early, respond effectively, and operate cohesively with allies and partners. The continuous presence and enhanced domain awareness in the North are considered vital for strengthening Canada's ability to deter threats and assert its sovereignty in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.