Below the surface: How autonomous systems could protect Canada

As the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) explores the future of underwater uncrewed vehicles (UUVs), questions like this are helping shape how autonomous systems could be integrated into future operations.

From intelligence gathering and surveillance to mine countermeasures and infrastructure protection, UUVs have the potential to expand the Navy's reach while reducing risk to sailors. But alongside those opportunities come important considerations around reliability, decision-making, human oversight, and the role autonomous systems should play in a complex operating environment.

Read the full article to learn more about how the RCN is evaluating the benefits, challenges, and future potential of UUVs.

HMCS St. John’s participates in Exercise STRIKE WARRIOR 26

From September 21 to October 9, HMCS St. John’s is participating in Exercise STRIKE WARRIOR 26, a multinational exercise hosted by the United Kingdom and taking place in waters north and east of the country.

Through realistic training scenarios including missile defence, anti-submarine warfare, air defence and long-range fighter operations, St. John's is working alongside eight allied forces to strengthen interoperability and enhance readiness for multinational maritime operations. This training helps ensure Canada and its allies remain prepared to respond together to evolving security challenges.

HMCS Max Bernays returns from Operation LATITUDE

On September 28, HMCS Max Bernays returned to its home port in Esquimalt, B.C., following a three-month deployment on Operation LATITUDE, during which the ship’s company completed 19 consecutive days of Arctic icebreaking and conducted the longest continuous uncrewed aerial system flight in the Navy’s history.

These achievements demonstrated the skill, adaptability and professionalism required to operate in Canada’s North while reinforcing Canada’s presence and operational capabilities in the region.

Royal Canadian Navy flies its first uncrewed helicopter

The RCN conducted the first flight of its new CU179 Peregrine uncrewed helicopter on September 1st near Nanaimo, B.C. The flight demonstrated a new capability that will help Halifax-class sailors see farther, gather information more effectively, and support operations at sea. Equipped with advanced sensors and long-range radar, the Peregrine is designed to improve awareness of activity in the surrounding area and help crews make more informed decisions.

Read the full story.

HMCS Max Bernays and the Kitikmeot Region: A Relationship Built on Trust, Respect and Friendship

As Canadians reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, HMCS Max Bernays’ recent visit to Nunavut’s Kitikmeot Region highlighted the value of building lasting relationships through listening, learning, and mutual respect. Through cultural exchanges, community engagement, and shared experiences, sailors and community members have strengthened the bond between the RCN and Canada’s North.

Read the full story to learn how trust, friendship, and a shared vision for the future are shaping this unique partnership.

Marine Careers Expo Across Canada

The Marine Careers Expo (MCE) made stops in Hamilton, Ont., and Vancouver, and Victoria, B.C., this fall. Visitors had the chance to meet professionals from across Canada’s marine sector, explore careers on and off the water, and learn more about the work they do.

RCN sailors joined industry representatives to share their experiences and introduce visitors to the wide range of opportunities available in the maritime field.

For those considering a future on or around the water, MCE is an opportunity to hear directly from people working in the industry, gain firsthand insights, and discover where a career could lead.

HMCS Frédérick Rolette awarded the Admiral’s Bell

HMCS Frédérick Rolette has been awarded the Admiral’s Bell, a distinction recognizing ship’s companies that demonstrate exceptional performance across the RCN. The award reflects a year of operational excellence marked by efficiency, strong morale, and leadership that strengthened the ship’s company and contributed to the wider fleet. It also recognizes the ship’s performance during deployment and the professionalism demonstrated by its sailors while representing Canada in ports at home and abroad.

The Admiral’s Bell was presented by Rear-Admiral Pascal Belhumeur, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic, and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO 1) Patrick Mackey, Formation Chief Maritime Forces Atlantic. Bravo Zulu to the ship’s company on this achievement!

A/SLt Mike Samuels – Never too late to serve

At 49, Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A/SLt) Mike Samuels took on the challenge of Basic Military Officer Qualification alongside candidates often half his age. Despite the physical demands, he persevered with the support of his platoon, proving that determination, teamwork, and a commitment to service have no age limit.

Now serving at CFB Esquimalt, A/SLt Samuels continues to demonstrate that it is never too late to pursue a new challenge and make a meaningful contribution to the RCN.

Read the full story.

Five Eyes partners meet in Halifax for maritime warfare working group

From September 21 to 25 nearly 90 military representatives, defence scientists and warfare development experts from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States gathered in Halifax for the annual Maritime Warfare Working Group.

Hosted by Canada, the Five Eyes forum gives partner navies an opportunity to share lessons learned, discuss tactics and capabilities, and strengthen interoperability across surface, air, undersea, information and mine warfare, as well as unmanned systems.

The discussions help improve how Five Eyes navies work together and support greater coordination and readiness across the maritime domain.

Canadian Army Creates New Divisions Under Modernization Plan

On September 10, the Canadian Army began one of the largest transformations in its history, reorganizing its divisions to better support modern operations. Central to the changes is the establishment of the 1^st Canadian Division, headquartered in Edmonton, which will serve as the Army’s primary manoeuvre division and command Regular Force formations from across the country.

The restructuring is part of the Army’s broader Inflection Point 2025 modernization plan aimed at improving readiness, agility and Canada's ability to respond to domestic and international challenges.

Expanded military leave supports B.C. reservists

British Columbia has expanded job-protected military leave for CAF reservists, giving members greater flexibility to complete training and deployments while maintaining civilian employment.

For Naval Reservists in B.C., the change will make it easier to balance civilian careers with military service while maintaining the training and readiness required to support operations at home and abroad.

Reservists play a vital role in domestic emergency response, Arctic operations, and international missions. The expanded leave will help ensure members can continue serving their communities and country without sacrificing their civilian careers.