Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are conducting Operation Latitude, a recurring continental defense mission that demonstrates Canada’s ability to operate effectively alongside allied forces in northern waters, including the Bering Sea, and in a complex Arctic environment. “Through regular, professional and coordinated activities, we reinforce Arctic sovereignty, protect Canada’s northern approaches and defend North American territory against evolving security threats,” said Lt. Gen. Steve Boivin, commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command.
The operation supports the CAF’s expansive approach to enhanced Arctic and northern operations, safeguarding its permanent presence and sustained activities across the region while reinforcing core missions to detect, deter and defend Canada against possible threats, a CAF news release said July 23. Operation Latitude contributes to the defense of North America in an enduring partnership with the United States.
During the operation, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command and the Canadian Coast Guard are conducting multidomain operations in the Arctic in support of continental defense. The mission includes the Halifax-class frigate Ottawa, and the Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessels Max Bernays and Robert Hampton Gray, operating alongside U.S. Armed Forces in joint exercises.
Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora aircraft are supporting the operation through long-range surveillance and reconnaissance, providing comprehensive situational awareness of northern maritime approaches. The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Des Groseilliers also is participating alongside CAF and U.S. partners, validating a whole-of-government approach to operating in Canada’s Arctic and northern waters.
Canadian Special Operations Forces Command members also took part, contributing specialized capabilities that support awareness and readiness in northern environments. Operation Latitude supports the CAF’s broader approach to enhanced Arctic operations, alongside activities conducted under Operation Nanook, reinforcing Canada’s permanent presence and near-persistent operations across the Arctic and the North. In June, the CAF announced they had launched Operation Nanook-Takuniq 2026, planning exercises throughout summer, fall and winter across Canada’s North and Arctic. The operation focuses on land-based awareness and surveillance in remote, austere environments.
Operation Latitude works in alignment with NATO activities, including enhanced Vigilance Activity Arctic Sentry, reflecting Canada’s responsibilities as both an Arctic nation and a founding NATO member. Arctic Sentry integrates NATO’s Arctic activities under a single, overarching operational approach. These efforts reinforce alliance security interests while promoting stability in the Arctic and the North.
In testimony before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on March 19, Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), praised the CAF and the U.S.-Canada partnership in safeguarding North America. “Defense cooperation between USNORTHCOM and the Canadian Armed Forces remains a cornerstone of continental defense. The Government of Canada’s commitment to modernization efforts that will directly benefit NORAD missions, coupled with outstanding collaboration between USNORTHCOM and the command’s counterparts in the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) plays a key role in multinational operations to detect and monitor potential threats to the homeland, and the partnership between CJOC and USNORTHCOM is vital to deterring and defending against all-domain threats to North America.”