HMCS Regina conducts Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise
News release
October 23, 2024 – Ottawa – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina successfully completed Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise 2024 (JoLTEX 24) at the United States Navy’s Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of Southern California.
JoLTEX developed and tested targeting processes, including firing a surface-to-surface missile against a simulated surface-to-surface combatant, using a Harpoon Block II missile. The exercise supported the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships’ ability to employ sea-based weapons against targets on or near land.
Conducting realistic training like JoLTEX 24 enhances the RCN’s ability to contribute to future operations and exercises with partners and allies. Exercises of this kind allow RCN ships and sailors to develop and refine their skills under realistic conditions, increasing their overall mission effectiveness, and affirming that the RCN remains a vital partner in maintaining peace and security.
Quotes
“The successful launch of a Harpoon Block II missile at a littoral (or near-shore) target reinforces a critical capability for Canada’s Pacific Fleet and the Royal Canadian Navy. Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise 2024 provided our sailors with a valuable training opportunity to exercise the targeting process through to the firing of a live missile in support of land forces. The capacity to do this in a complex environment is an essential aspect of joint and multinational operations. This demonstrates our Navy’s commitment to maintaining a flexible and combat-capable maritime force.”
Commodore Dave Mazur, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific
“His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina’s precise delivery of surface-to-surface kinetic effects during Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise 2024 demonstrates the crew’s commitment to combat readiness and their professional excellence. As evolving maritime threats shift between open ocean and littoral environments, realistic training scenarios are essential to prepare our sailors for future high-intensity naval and joint operations. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of Regina’s outstanding team and what they’ve accomplished during this exercise.”
Commander Jeremy Samson, Commanding Officer HMCS Regina
Quick facts
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The Harpoon Block II missile is an autonomous weapon with advanced capabilities that allow it to engage targets with a high degree of precision regardless of proximity to land and other obstacles.
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The capability of Halifax-class frigates to strike littoral targets is the culmination of years of dedicated modernization efforts focused on the Halifax-class’s suite of shipboard weaponry and sensor systems.
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Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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