Canada launches Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ to strengthen Arctic surveillance and sovereignty

Aimed at strengthening land-based surveillance, enhancing situational awareness, and reinforcing the country's sovereignty in the increasingly strategic Arctic, the operation will take place throughout the summer, fall and winter in key northern locations, including Banks Island, Akpatok Island, and the coastlines of Hudson Bay and Labrador.

Led by the Canadian Rangers with support from the Canadian Army, the mission will conduct long-range patrols, reconnaissance operations and coordinated activities with Joint Task Force (North) to improve Canada's ability to monitor remote Arctic approaches, according to a news release from Canada's Department of National Defence.

Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ forms part of Operation NANOOK, Canada's flagship Arctic military operation, and will be carried out alongside NATO's enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) ARCTIC SENTRY, strengthening continental defence and collective security across the Arctic.

"Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ advances our enhanced Arctic operations by reinforcing the Canadian Armed Forces' permanent presence and ability to operate in our North," said Major General Tim Arsenault, Acting Commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command.

"Through near-persistent, land-based activity and close cooperation with Indigenous partners and Allies, TAKUNIQ strengthens Canada's ability to understand and secure its Arctic approaches," he added.

The operation will also rely on the Rangers' specialised Arctic expertise, including long-range navigation, survival in extreme weather and Indigenous knowledge of the region, officials said.

Canada said aligning Operation NANOOK with NATO's Arctic activities strengthens deterrence, supports North American defence and reinforces stability across the Arctic as geopolitical competition in the region continues to grow.