The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will be conducting defence and sovereignty related operations in the Arctic from February 23 to March 9, 2025, in the vicinity of Inuvik and Mackenzie River Delta, Northwest Territories, under Operation (Op) NANOOK-NUNALIVUT.
The CAF adopted the Inuktut name Nunalivut, meaning ‘’Land that is ours’’ for the annual operation, which consists of comprehensive military activity designed to assert Canada’s sovereignty and enhance defence capabilities in the High Arctic.
During Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT, the CAF work and train with a variety of Allies and partners, including the United States, as operations like Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT contribute directly to building interoperability and effectiveness in areas of mutual interest such as Arctic security and continental defence. These contributions are a key part of the Canada-United States defence relationship.
Working together with international military partners, various Canadian federal departments and agencies, territorial and Indigenous governments and local organizations during Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT helps make the CAF more effective in the North.
Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT is one of four comprehensive annual activities designed to exercise the defence of Canada and to secure our northern regions, collectively known as Op NANOOK. These activities, conducted from early spring to late summer, demonstrate the CAF’s presence and exercise Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic.
Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT underscores Canada’s commitment to the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and reinforces commitments outlined in Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence as well as Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy The operation aims to maintain a strong presence and improve understanding of the rapidly evolving Arctic region.
Recognizing the importance of international collaboration in Arctic security, over 450 CAF members will work alongside approximately 110 armed forces members from, the United States, Belgium, United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark fostering interoperability and shared Arctic defence capabilities.
Quotes
“Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT serves as a crucial platform for Canada to assert its presence and sovereignty in the North while honing our capabilities to operate effectively in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments. This operation not only strengthens our national security but also reinforces our commitment to Arctic stewardship and cooperation.’’
Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command
“This iteration of Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT is the biggest since the inception of Operation Nanook in 2007. The scope demonstrates the role and importance of the Canadian Armed Forces in operating in the Arctic with our Allies and partners. The personnel of Joint Task Force North and participants from the Defence Team, NATO Allies and partners to the operation are at the right place, at the right time, to take up the challenges at a time when several international countries are turning their attention to the Arctic.”
Brigadier-General Daniel Rivière, Commander, Joint Task Force (North)
Quick Facts
Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT has been conducted annually since 2007 in various locations throughout Canada’s North, including Rankin Inlet, Tuktoyaktuk, and Inuvik. It is an all-domain defence and security operation designed to foster greater combined and joint interoperability with regional and international partners.
CAF participation in this year’s Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT includes Regular and Reserve Force personnel from the following units:
5th Canadian Division, Halifax, including:
Primary Reserve units under 37 Canadian Brigade Group;
1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group;
Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit;
Port Inspection Divers from the Naval Reserve;
Combat Divers from:
4 Engineer Support Regiment from Gagetown, New Brunswick;
2 Combat Engineer Regiment from Petawawa, Ontario;
5 Combat Engineer Regiment from Valcartier, Quebec;
440 Transport Squadron, from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, from Petawawa, Ontario;
417 Combat Support Squadron, from Cold Lake, Alberta; and
430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, from Valcartier, Quebec.
There are approximately 110 foreign military members scheduled to participate in Operation NANOOK-NUNALVUT 2025. These include:
Around 70 members of the USAF National Guard New York 109th Airlift Wing;
With the Dive Task Force:
Approximately 10 US Navy Divers; and
Approximately 5 Belgian Naval Component Clearance Divers.
International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research (ICE-PPR) conducts research and trials on Arctic capabilities and will have approximately 25 international participants.
Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) provides technical support to enable under-ice dive training during Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
