Key facts
- Canada is sending HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Regina, and HMCS Corner Brook to the Rimpac exercise.
- The exercise involves over 25,000 military personnel from 31 countries.
- Canada's contingent is its most operationally substantive fielded in years.
- Canada will command the air component of Rimpac, a role typically held by major powers.
Canada is significantly increasing its presence at the world's largest multinational naval exercise, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (Rimpac), deploying two frigates and a submarine. This move is seen by analysts as a dual demonstration: showcasing Canada's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and directly addressing criticisms from the United States regarding 'freeriding' on defense.
The Canadian contingent, comprising the frigates HMCS Ottawa and HMCS Regina, along with the submarine HMCS Corner Brook, represents the most substantial operational package Canada has fielded in years. The exercise, running from Wednesday to July 31, will involve over 25,000 military personnel from 31 nations, including key allies like Australia, France, Germany, India, Japan, and the UK.
Lieutenant Commander Linda Coleman, a spokesperson for Canada’s Maritime Forces Pacific, stated that Rimpac offers a crucial training environment for its military assets, enabling Canadian sailors to engage in anti-submarine warfare exercises with allied ships and aircraft. The Canadian participation extends beyond vessels to include maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, cyber specialists, divers, medical teams, and command staff.
In a further indication of its growing role, Canada is set to command the air component of the Rimpac exercise. This leadership role, traditionally reserved for major global powers, is being shared with South Korea, which will lead the maritime component.