Canada's Northern Sovereignty Exercise Launches with Unprecedented Scale
As geopolitical relationships shift and Arctic accessibility increases, Canada is responding with its most substantial northern military operation in ten years. Operation Nanook-Nunalivut 2026 represents a significant commitment to reinforcing sovereignty and security across the country's vast northern territories.
Edmonton as Strategic Launch Point
The exercise officially commences on February 14th, with Canadian Forces Base Edmonton serving as the primary staging ground for advance operations. Colonel Sean French of the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group emphasized the critical timing of this deployment during preparations at CFB Edmonton.
"This is important because the Arctic is opening up, and we need to be more prepared to do things up in the north and internationally," French stated, standing before a formation of military vehicles ready for deployment.
The colonel further explained the evolving security landscape: "Relationships are changing, and so we need to be prepared to reinforce the fact that Canada's northern people need to be safe, secure and well defended. The rules-based international order is not the same as it used to be."
Unprecedented Scope and Preparation
This year's operation spans thousands of kilometers across multiple provinces and territories, including:
- Alberta as the logistical hub
- Northwest Territories for ground operations
- Nunavut for High Arctic exercises
- Manitoba for artillery components
The exercise benefits from an $82-billion national defence investment announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, enabling capabilities not seen in previous northern operations. Live-fire exercises will feature M777 howitzers and long-range precision strike systems capable of reaching targets over 400 kilometers away.
Complex Logistics for Extreme Environments
Sustaining military operations in Canada's north presents unique challenges that require meticulous planning. Advance teams have been working for weeks to establish quarters and supply lines in remote locations including Cambridge Bay and Yellowknife.
"Sustaining a month-long operation in the north is complex—you just can't go and buy something if you run out," noted military planners involved in the logistics.
The operation continues a tradition dating back to 2007 of testing military equipment under extreme Arctic conditions. This year's exercises will evaluate:
- Armoured vehicle performance in sub-zero temperatures
- Crane operations in challenging terrain
- Artillery effectiveness in High Arctic conditions
- Long-range supply chain management
Strategic Significance and Future Implications
Colonel French highlighted the connection between this exercise and broader strategic priorities, referencing Prime Minister Carney's recent Davos speech as setting the tone for Canadian Forces preparedness. The 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery from Shiloh, Manitoba, has been specifically tasked with developing expertise in moving heavy equipment across northern landscapes.
As climate change continues to alter Arctic accessibility and international interest in northern resources grows, Operation Nanook-Nunalivut 2026 represents Canada's commitment to maintaining sovereignty while ensuring the security of northern communities. The exercise demonstrates both the logistical capabilities required for northern operations and the strategic importance Canada places on its Arctic territories in an evolving global security environment.
