EX NOBLE SKYWAVE 2026: Registration open for High Frequency Communications Competition
July 27, 2026 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 1:35
Every year, communications specialists from the Canadian Armed Forces, allied and partner nations, and the amateur radio community come together for Exercise NOBLE SKYWAVE—a unique global competition that puts High Frequency (HF) communications skills to the test.
Hosted by the Communications and Electronics (C&E) Branch of Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) and the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics (CFSCE), this three-day event (October 20–22) is a key highlight of C&E Week.
During the competition, participants use HF radio equipment, technical expertise, and propagation analysis to establish reliable long-range communications with stations around the world. The challenge showcases the enduring value of HF communications while fostering professional development, teamwork, and collaboration among military, civilian, allied, and partner participants.
Training, Interoperability, and Global Engagement
Participants in Ex NS will plan, establish, and sustain long-range voice and data communications using HF skywave propagation, simulating the challenges of real-world operations.
Conducted in an unclassified environment, the exercise creates valuable opportunities for collaboration, skills development and knowledge-sharing across nations, paired with a spirit of friendly competition. Last year’s event brought together teams from 22 countries, underscoring its growing international reach and relevance.
Strengthening Readiness Through Resilient Communications
Ex NS 2026 directly supports CAF operational readiness by focusing on an essential capability, staying connected when everything else fails.
HF communications are a resilient, infrastructure-independent capability. In contested environments, HF remains a reliable means of communication when satellite, fibre, or network-based systems are degraded or unavailable.
The exercise reinforces a layered communications approach, where HF complements space and network-enabled systems to ensure continuity of operations. HF capability is particularly vital for Canada’s Northern and Arctic regions, where distance, terrain, and limited infrastructure demand resilient long-range communications.
Who Can Participate
Registration is open to:
- CAF Regular and Reserve Force units
- Bases, Wings, and Ships with HF capabilities
- Members of the Canadian Forces Affiliated Radio System (CFARS)
- Allied and partner organizations with equivalent capabilities
- Non-military (civilian) amateur radio operators
Join the Competition
Registration opens: July 21
Exercise dates: October 20–22
Register at: NOBLE SKYWAVE
Registration will remain open until shortly before the exercise in October. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Lieutenant Derrick Crowe, at derrick.crowe@forces.gc.ca.