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.
