Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit
Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) relies on various groups and units within its organization to enable operations, both at home in Canada and around the world.
An amalgamation of the previously established Naval Units of varying specialty capabilities, the Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit (ANCU) is the latest and most capable unit of its kind to date. Occupying the space between conventional and advanced warfare, ANCU designs and delivers tactically capable teams able to execute a range of operations around the world.
Expanding RCN capabilities, ANCU overcomes current and emerging maritime threats and supports the development of innovative naval tactics, technology, and capabilities, spanning: Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Force Protection and Harbour Defence, the operation of uncrewed air, surface, and subsurface systems, and more.
ANCU Force Development efforts include trial of new equipment, and advancing the integration of these specialized capabilities into the CAF’s existing operations. The teams also act as an extension of the Naval Training System aiding in the development and provision of training in our areas of expertise.
In addition to working domestically with other government departments and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) units, ANCU teams also deploy globally to assist Canada’s international security partners to build and develop their own maritime capabilities.
Both Regular Force and Reserve Force CAF members can apply to be Maritime Tactical Operators (MTO) within ANCU.
Maritime Interdiction Operations
MIO includes the interception, boarding, and searching of vessels of interest to prevent the movement of prohibited personnel and materiel at sea, which are carried out by ANCU’s Maritime Tactical Operators (MTO). They are the experts in high-risk boarding and shoreline operations, enhancing the RCN’s ability to conduct and instruct such operations alongside different CAF teams, as well as allied and partner nations.
Additional duties can include FP, which entails protecting RCN or Allied ships, infrastructure, and personnel all over the world.
Maritime Tactical Coxswains
Maritime Tactical Coxswains (MTC) are combat enablers and specialists that provide essential high-speed boat handling skills to support MIO and FP missions. They conduct all-weather, day or night, insertions of teams of MTOs on various vessels or ashore.
MTCs work with MTOs, as well as other Canadian agencies, using their expertise in small boat handling and tactics.
Harbour Defence and Force Protection
ANCU is responsible for ensuring the on-water control of access to high value ships and shoreline installations, such as jetties, and is the maritime element of Port Security.
HD operators are experts in vessel of interest interception, high value asset escort, controlled access zone enforcement, remote operated vehicle jetty search, and advanced boat tactics.
ANCU’s HD component maintains a rapidly deployable team, as well as providing specialized training to a variety of domestic and international groups.
Uncrewed Systems
The field of drone technology, or Uncrewed Systems (UXS), is growing rapidly and transforming warfare. ANCU facilitates the delivery of the RCN’s UXS, and counter UXS, capability, and the integration of aerial, surface, and subsurface systems.
UXS Operators do not specialize in a single system. Rather, they specialize in the rapid onboarding of new capabilities, as well as training development and delivery aimed at ensuring that the RCN can keep pace with this challenging field.
They evaluate both existing and emerging technologies to assess effectiveness, reliability, and integration potential, maintaining a broad understanding of UXS roles in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Underwater Environmental Awareness, and Maritime Domain Awareness/Maritime Interdiction Operations.