HMCS Ottawa conducts torpedo firing during RIMPAC 2026

HMCS Ottawa successfully conducted a torpedo firing during RIMPAC 2026, testing the RCN’s Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade (UWSU) in an operational environment.

The firing provided realistic training in detecting and engaging underwater threats while serving as an operational demonstration of the upgraded system.

As part of the RCN’s ongoing Halifax-class modernization, the upgrade enhances the detection and tracking of modern submarines, strengthening anti-submarine warfare capability and interoperability during multinational operations.

RCN cyber team strengthens interoperability during RIMPAC 2026

Members of the RCN’s Fleet Cyber Teams joined more than 30 cyber specialists from Australia, the United States, Germany, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea for advanced cyber warfare training during RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii.  

Operating in a Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE), participants worked through realistic simulated cyber scenarios to strengthen defensive cyber operations, enhance interoperability, and exchange expertise across multinational teams.

HMCS Corner Brook delivers final strike during RIMPAC 2026 SINKEX

HMCS Corner Brook delivered the final strike during a multinational sinking exercise (SINKEX) as part of RIMPAC 2026 on July 12.

Using an MK 48 heavyweight torpedo, Corner Brook sank the decommissioned USS Mobile Bay, demonstrating the RCN’s precision strike capability in a complex multinational training environment. The realistic training helped strengthen tactical proficiency and reinforced the value of multinational cooperation.

Supporting NATO on Operation REASSURANCE

HMC Ships Moncton, Edmonton and Ville de Québec are deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in support of NATO's collective defence efforts in Europe.

Kingston-class vessels Moncton and Edmonton are operating with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One through October 2026, conducting mine countermeasure operations that support maritime security and safe navigation in European waters.

Halifax-class frigate Ville de Québec is operating with Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) through December 2026, contributing to maritime security, freedom of navigation and interoperability with allied navies in the North Atlantic, North Sea and Baltic Sea. Together, the deployments reinforce Canada's continued commitment to NATO's collective defence and maritime security in the Euro-Atlantic region.

RCN strengthens Arctic security through Operation LATITUDE

The CAF is conducting Op LATITUDE, a recurring sovereignty and continental defence operation in our northern waters, including the Bering Sea. HMC Ships Ottawa, Max Bernays and Robert Hampton Gray are participating alongside United States forces in combined and joint multi-domain operations.

The operation is conducted in partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, the Canadian Coast Guard, and NATO Allies through enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY.

Op LATITUDE reinforces Canada's Arctic sovereignty and supports the defence of North America's northern approaches.

How Canada’s Navy is preparing to fight drones

Drones have rapidly evolved from battlefield novelties into game-changing weapons that are reshaping modern warfare at sea.

As uncrewed aerial, surface, and subsurface systems become more capable and accessible, the RCN is adapting its tactics, training, and technologies to meet this growing challenge.

Discover how the RCN is building layered defences, collaborating with partners, and preparing sailors for an increasingly complex maritime battlespace.

Read the full article.

S1 Shin: Resilience in the face of setbacks

From immigrating to Canada as a teenager to overcoming injuries, career setbacks, and missed opportunities, Sailor 1st Class Dongwon Shin has remained focused on his goal of serving his country. 

His journey to the RCN has been shaped by perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serve. 

Today, as a member of Naval Fleet School (Pacific), he continues to move forward, proving that success is not defined by the obstacles you face, but by the determination to keep going.

Read his inspiring story. 

S2 Fields: From high school co-op to Indo-Pacific deployment

What began as a Grade 12 co-op placement with HMCS Star set Sailor 2nd Class (S2) Malik Fields on a path to the RCN and a deployment aboard HMCS Charlottetown in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Originally from Cambridge, Ont., S2 Fields discovered the Marine Technician trade through the program and found a career that matched his passion for mechanics and problem solving.

Now serving in Charlottetown's Main Propulsion Department on Op HORIZON, he is gaining valuable experience maintaining critical engineering systems and learning the realities of life at sea.

Read more about S2 Fields' journey from high school student to deployed sailor.

Supporting NATO on Operation REASSURANCE

Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Robert Seed returned to Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi during RIMPAC 2026, revisiting the community that helped shape his journey to the RCN.

Serving with the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander's Future Operations Team during RIMPAC 2026, Lt (N) Seed reconnected with former teachers and reflected on the experiences that inspired his career in naval service. Read the full story to learn more about his journey from Hawaiʻi student to RCN officer.

Rendez-vous naval de Québec 2026 celebrates maritime partnerships

Rendez-vous naval de Québec (RVNQ) 2026 brought together nine ships from seven nations at the Port of Québec to celebrate maritime heritage and strengthen international cooperation. Throughout the four-day event, the RCN was represented by HMCS Nanaimo and Margaret Brooke, the National Band of the Naval Reserve, alongside Naval Reserve personnel and recruiting staff. Distinguished guests included Governor General Louise Arbour who visited Margaret Brooke and recognized the service of its sailors.

The participating navies opened their ships to the public, engaged with Canadians, and strengthened ties with allied and partner maritime forces.

RAVEN 2026 inspires Indigenous youth 

The RCN welcomed Indigenous participants from across Canada to CFB Esquimalt, B.C., for RAVEN 2026. The six-week program combines Indigenous cultural teachings with military training and hands-on naval experience. Throughout the program, participants developed leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, and practical skills while gaining insight into careers with the CAF.

Hosted annually by the RCN, RAVEN 2026 fosters meaningful connections with Indigenous communities and equips Indigenous youth with cultural, personal, and professional development opportunities.

The Government of Canada launches the Defence Drone Initiative

In an increasingly complex and unpredictable security environment, where large numbers of drones costing just a few hundred dollars can destroy platforms worth millions, Canada is taking steps to ensure the CAF and Canadian Coast Guard have access to the capabilities they need.  

"The character of warfare is changing, and military advantage will depend on how quickly we can adapt," said Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee.

The new Defence Drone Initiative, led jointly by DND and the Defence Investment Agency, will help accelerate the development, testing, and production of Canadian-made uncrewed and autonomous systems.

From surveillance and reconnaissance to logistics and counter-drone capabilities, the initiative will connect operational needs with Canadian innovation, helping bring promising technologies into service faster while supporting skilled jobs, industry growth and Canada's long-term defence readiness.

Read the full news release: Government of Canada launches Defence Drone Initiative to strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities 

Strategic partnership expands Canada's armoured vehicle capability

The Government of Canada has announced a strategic partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada to deliver 190 additional Armoured Combat Support Vehicles, increasing the CAF’s fleet from 360 to 550.

The nearly $2 billion investment over four years will enhance mobility, protection, and operational readiness while supporting training across Canada. The partnership also advances Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy by strengthening domestic defence manufacturing and supporting the long-term modernization and sustainment of the CAF's armoured vehicle fleet.

New hub advances defence innovation

DND has announced the establishment of the Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub in Mirabel, Que., under the Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science. Backed by a $29.6-million investment over two years, the hub will bring together government, industry, academia and innovators to accelerate the development, testing and integration of uncrewed and autonomous technologies into operational capabilities for the CAF.

Sponsored by the Canadian Joint Forces Command and led by an Espace Aéro consortium, the initiative supports Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy by strengthening sovereign defence innovation, advancing made-in-Canada technologies and enhancing the CAF's ability to operate across maritime, land, air, and joint environments.