Operation BOXTOP

Operation (Op) BOXTOP is the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) biannual strategic airlift operation that resupplies Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Alert – the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited location – to sustain operations that support search and rescue, geolocation tasks for national defence, and critical climate and atmospheric research conducted by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Through Op BOXTOP, the CAF directly supports Canada’s Arctic defence priorities, complementing broader Arctic operations, exercises, and patrols that maintain permanent presence and readiness in the North.

How many people are deployed?

Op BOXTOP involves Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircrews, aircraft technicians, operations personnel, and support staff. Aircraft are typically crewed by members from 8 Wing Trenton, with additional personnel deployed to support ground operations at staging locations and at CFS Alert itself.

During each iteration of Op BOXTOP, approximately 80 to 100 CAF members may be directly involved in flying, maintaining aircraft, coordinating logistics, and supporting on‑site resupply activities at CFS Alert and intermediate locations.

What are they doing?

The CAF employs an Air Task Force (ATF) to coordinate and conduct the resupply of CFS Alert using RCAF cargo aircraft, typically the CC-130J Hercules and/or the CC-177 Globemaster III. Two Op BOXTOP airlift operations are conducted annually:

• Op BOXTOP I is a “wet lift” conducted in spring and dedicated to bulk fuel delivery; and
• Op BOXTOP II is a “wet/dry lift” conducted in late summer or fall to deliver fuel and non-perishable rations, general stores, construction materials, drummed petroleum products, and other cargo.

Flights typically stage from 8 Wing Trenton through U.S. Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland.

History and context of the operation

The CAF have been delivering supplies to CFS Alert since the 1950’s. The station was first established as a weather station of the Joint Arctic Weather Station (JAWS) system. On September 1, 1958, Alert began its operational role as a signals intelligence unit. At that time, it became the Alert Wireless Station and was under the command of the Canadian Army.

Today, CAF personnel, Department of National Defence (DND) employees, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) researchers, and contracted employees comprise the entire population of CFS Alert.

Op BOXTOP ensures the continuous operation of a key strategic facility that contributes significantly to continental defence, environmental research, and Arctic domain awareness. In sustaining CFS Alert, the CAF advances joint readiness with Allied partners and reinforces NATO’s integrated security approach in the region. Together, these efforts ensure that Canada and its Allies remain ready, resilient, and unified in safeguarding the Arctic and High North, one of the world’s most strategically significant and rapidly changing regions.

Links

Department of National Defence

• Joint Task Force North
• Royal Canadian Air Force / CFS Alert
• Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence

Government of Canada

• Environment and Climate Change Canada