Canada continued to modernize its naval force in April 2026 by launching its latest Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV). The Canadian Coast Guard ship (CCGS) Donjek adds to the NATO member’s ability to maintain domain awareness in the Arctic region. The Donjek, which departed the Halifax Shipyard, marks the latest product of Ottawa’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and bolsters the country’s Arctic fleet, reported the High North News.
The 104.7-meter Donjek launched after being transferred from Irving Shipbuilding’s land-level facility in Halifax aboard a semi-submersible barge. Another CCGS icebreaker, CCGS Sermilik, is under construction and slated for delivery in 2027. “The launch of the CCGS Donjek is a major advancement for the Canadian Coast Guard,” said CCG Commissioner Kevin Brosseau.
The Donjek will support fisheries enforcement, conduct search and rescue and humanitarian operations among other duties in its multimission platform. The Harry DeWolf-class ship can penetrate several meters of ice. Six such ships already are in service with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). The ship can remain at sea for up to 48 days, carrying a crew up more than 50 Canadian Guardsmen. The vessel carries an embarked helicopter and has space to transport cargo containers for emergency response or resupply missions. “The vessels will play a key role in supporting remote northern communities, conducting scientific research, and maintaining sovereignty patrols in contested or sensitive regions,” the newspaper reported.
Canada’s shipbuilding strategy calls for two new polar icebreakers and nearly two dozen medium and light icebreakers, not including the AOPVs. Ottawa also has entered the ICE Pact, a 2024 agreement with Finland and the United States, which will expand NATO’s icebreaking capability in the High North. In fiscal year 2025-26, Canada invested more than $63 billion in defense, according to a government news release. The AOPVs will contribute to security in Canada’s High North and operate effectively with the RCN, the release stated. “Today’s launch of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Donjek marks an important step forward in strengthening Canada’s maritime presence — particularly in the Arctic,” Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty said.