Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ville de Québec completed the forward rearmament of Block II Harpoon Missiles while participating in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 25 in Australia.

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“Conducting this rearmament of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec so far from home, and once again with the help of our close partners in the Australian Defence Force, is a real demonstration of the close relationship and deep interoperability between our militaries. Forward re-arming operations conducted in cooperation with our Allies are a demonstration of our ability to maintain an enduring military presence in the region. The Canadian Armed Forces’ continued commitment to operations in the Indo-Pacific is made more effective by this capability.”

Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

“This rearmament is further proof of the Australian Defence Force’s growing capability to utilise northern bases to support our key partners. Utilising Darwin to rearm a Canadian warship with conventional munitions is a significant achievement for the Australian Defence Force and our interoperability with close partners. Canada’s participation in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 25 and rearmament of HMCS Ville de Québec in Darwin will help to maintain strong interoperability between our forces.”

Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, Australian Defence Force

“His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec is building on the important work of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver from that ship’s forward rearmament in 2024. Working with the team from the Australian Defence Force to further develop this forward capability for the Royal Canadian Navy has been a great experience for our entire crew. As His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec continues its deployment under Operation HORIZON, we are grateful for this increased interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and for their support to the ship’s logistical program in the region.”

Commander Peter MacNeil, Commanding Officer HMCS Ville de Québec

• HMCS Ville de Québec has been sailing alongside the United Kingdom-led Carrier Strike Group 25 under their Operation HIGHMAST. While in the Indo-Pacific region, the ship is participating in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 25.

• While in the Indo-Pacific, HMCS Ville de Québec is deployed under the CAF’s Operation HORIZON, working to support Government of Canada objectives in the region.

• HMCS Ville de Québec was rearmed with an exercise-use version of a Block II Harpoon Missile ahead of conducting a live-fire exercise. Following the live fire, the ship was rearmed with the operational variant of Harpoon missiles

• 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.

Associated links

• The Royal Canadian Navy
• Operation HORIZON
• Halifax-class Multi-Role Patrol Frigates
• Exercise TALISMAN SABRE
• HMCS Ville de Québec Participation on Op HORIZON/Op HIGHMAST
• Canadian Joint Operations Command - Facebook
• Canadian Joint Operations Command - Instagram
• Canadian Joint Operations Command - X
• Royal Canadian Navy X Account
• Royal Canadian Navy Facebook Account
• Royal Canadian Navy Instagram Account
• HMCS Ville de Québec Facebook Account
• HMCS Ville de Québec Instagram Account

Media Relations
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