Royal Canadian Navy Operations
As Canada’s first line of defence against maritime threats, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is always ready to respond to, and lead, missions when called upon by the Government of Canada. Safeguarding Canada’s coastline and defending our sovereignty, the RCN is responsible for ensuring Canadians remain safe and secure.
The RCN conducts and participates in a variety of operations around the globe, maintaining maritime domain awareness while demonstrating Canada’s commitment to global stability and rules-based order.
The RCN’s unique capabilities support our efforts in the following areas:
Sovereignty Patrols
With the longest coastline in the world, Canada’s security, prosperity, and identity are tied to the sea. As Canada’s maritime defence, the RCN plays a vital role in securing Canada’s future.
For more information on sovereignty operations within the Canadian Armed Forces, visit our Canadian Sovereignty Operations page.
Search and Rescue
The CAF are tasked to respond to about 1000 search and rescue missions annually. Whether it’s working with fellow Canadian military members, the Canadian Coast Guard, or allied nations’ forces, the RCN stays ready to jump into action.
For more information on search and rescue operations within the CAF, visit our Search and Rescue Operations page.
Peacekeeping Support
Unjust hostility has no place in the rules-based international order. That’s why the RCN offers peacekeeping support to our NATO partners and other allies in their times of need.
For more information on peacekeeping support within the CAF, visit our Peace Support Operations page.
Emergency Response
The RCN continues to support Canadian provincial, territorial, and federal authorities at a moment’s notice. We are trained to respond quickly to emergencies at home and abroad.
For more information on emergency response within the CAF, visit our Emergency Response and Prevention Operations page.
Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief
Climate change is intensifying many natural hazards that now pose threats to Canada’s security and maritime environment. These events increasingly require the RCN to provide humanitarian assistance to disaster relief, in coordination with national and allied partners.
For more information on humanitarian aid and disaster relief within the CAF, visit our Emergency Response and Prevention Operations page.
Enhancement of Diplomacy
The RCN reaffirms our commitment to multilateral diplomacy through our support for UN-led initiatives and joint operations with allied nations’ forces. Interoperability with our allied nations is a key component of many naval operations.
For more information on the enhancement of diplomacy within the CAF, visit any of our Primary Operations pages.
Counterterrorism and Drug Interdiction
In an age defined by increased tension between drug cartels and our allied nations, the RCN is steadfast in supporting efforts to deter domestic and international maritime criminal activity.
For more information on counterterrorism and drug interdiction within the CAF, visit our Operation CARIBBE and Operation AMARNA pages.
Combat Operations
The RCN stands ready to defend Canada and support our allies in a complex and shifting global security environment. We train hard to deter threats and succeed in combat when required.
For more information on combat operations within the CAF, visit our Current Operations List page.
Primary Operations
Caption
A map illustrating the location of Royal Canadian Navy operations and exercises around the world, including: Op NANOOK in the Arctic, Op LATITUDE in the North Pacific, Op LENTUS in Canada, Op REASSURANCE in Europe, Op AMARNA in the Middle East, Op CARIBBE in the Caribbean, Op PROJECTION in Africa and South America, and Op NEON and Op HORIZON in the Pacific.
International exercises are also highlighted, including: FORMIDABLE SHIELD, ARCTIC EDGE, JOINT WARRIOR, TRIDENT FURY, KEEN SWORD, CUTLASS FURY, STEADFAST DEFENDER, VALIENT SHIELD, TRADEWINDS, BALKATAN, RIMPAC, and TALISMAN SABRE..
In addition, Canadian Forces Bases Halifax and Esquimalt are displayed on the east and west coasts of Canada.
Operation REASSURANCE
Conducted in Central and Eastern Europe, Operation REASSURANCE is part of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture. Canadian ships conduct patrols, joint exercises, and port visits with Allied navies, underscoring Canada’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic security.
Operation PROJECTION
RCN ships deploy to the Euro-Atlantic and West Africa regions on Operation PROJECTION. Our sailors conduct multinational exercises and capacity-building activities, showcasing Canada’s naval capabilities and strengthening maritime security in critical regions.
Operation NANOOK
Operation NANOOK is the Canadian Armed Forces’ annual series of northern exercises. This operation asserts Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic, enhances the Navy’s ability to operate in harsh northern conditions, and demonstrates Canada’s commitment to protecting its northern approaches.
Operation LENTUS
Operation LENTUS is the CAF’s framework for responding to natural disasters in Canada when provincial or territorial capacity is exceeded. The RCN supports these missions by providing maritime capabilities for evacuations, transport of emergency supplies, and access to isolated communities.
Operation NEON
The RCN deploys frigates to the Asia-Pacific region to contribute to the enforcement of United Nations sanctions against North Korea. Operation NEON has Canada supporting the deterrence of illicit maritime activities, including ship-to-ship fuel and goods transfers intended to evade sanctions.
Operation HORIZON
Serving as Canada’s long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific, Operation HORIZON sees the RCN conduct multinational exercises. These activities reinforce Canada’s role as a reliable partner in maintaining a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
Operation CARIBBE
Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s contribution to United States-led efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean Basin and eastern Pacific Ocean. RCN ships deploy with embarked United States Coast Guard law enforcement detachments to locate and intercept smuggling vessels.
Operation AMARNA (formerly ARTEMIS)
RCN ships and personnel patrol the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden on Operation AMARNA to counter terrorism, piracy, and illicit trafficking. As part of the Combined Maritime Forces, Canada works with international partners to protect vital shipping lanes, ensuring the free flow of global trade.
Operation OPEN SPIRIT
A multinational mission in the Baltic Sea, Operation OPEN SPIRIT sees RCN clearance divers working alongside Allied navies to locate and neutralize sea mines and ordnance left from the First and Second World Wars. By improving maritime safety for shipping and fisheries, this mission highlights Canada’s continued contribution to NATO partners.
Operation LATITUDE
Conducted in the Western Arctic and northern approaches, Operation LATITUDE strengthens Canada’s maritime domain awareness and continental defence. RCN ships deploy to northern waters to monitor maritime activity, conduct surveillance and joint exercises with United States forces, and improve coordination in support of the defence of North America and Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.