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List of Canadian military operations

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Since 1947, the Canadian Armed Forces have completed 72 international missions.[1] More than 3,600 soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel are deployed overseas on operational missions. On any given day, about 8,000 Canadian Armed Forces members Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy, and Canadian Army (one-third of the Canadian deployable force) are preparing for, engaged in or are returning from an overseas mission.[2]

Canada's peacekeeping role during the 20th century has played a major role in its positive global image.[3][4] Canada has served in over 50 peacekeeping missions.[5] Canada has long been reluctant to participate in military operations that are not sanctioned by the United Nations (UN),[6][7] such as the Vietnam War or the 2003 invasion of Iraq.[6][7] Canada has faced controversy over its operations in some foreign countries, notably the 1993 Somalia affair.[8]

Since the 21st century, Canadian direct participation in UN peacekeeping efforts greatly declined, with its military participation reallocated to UN-sanctioned operations through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).[9] This military reallocation resulted in a shift towards more militarized and deadly missions.[10] Canada's participation in the Afghanistan war (2001–2014) saw over 160 Canadian deaths, the largest for any single Canadian military mission since the Korean War in the early 1950s.[11][12]

Alongside many domestic obligations and a few ongoing peacekeeping missions, the Canadian Armed Forces are currently deployed in multiple foreign military operation.[13] Below is a list of all currently active and past Canadian Armed Forces operations both within Canada's borders and internationally.[14][13]

Current and recurring operations

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This section consists of Canadian Forces operations which are currently active, or conducted annually or on a periodic basis.

Domestic

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  • Operation Driftnet – In support of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Multinational efforts to control driftnetting and other forms of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in the North Pacific Ocean.[15][16]
  • Operation LASER - Domestic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Operation LENTUS – Contingency plan that outlines the joint response to provide support for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) to provincial and territorial authorities in the case of a major natural disaster that overwhelms their capacity to respond.[15][17][18]
  • Operation Limpid – Routine domestic surveillance of Canadian air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains as well as presence in Canada's aerial, maritime and land approaches in order to detect, deter, prevent, pre-empt and defeat threats aimed at Canada or Canadian interests.[15][19]
  • Operation Nanook – To assert Canada's sovereignty over its northernmost regions, to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' ability to operate in Arctic conditions, to improve coordination in whole-of-government operations, and to maintain interoperability with mission partners for maximum effectiveness in response to safety and security issues in the North.[15][20]
  • Operation Nevus – To perform essential preventive and corrective maintenance on the High Arctic Data Communications System (HADCS) located on Ellesmere Island.[15][21]
  • Operation Nunalivut – To assert Canada's sovereignty over its northernmost regions, to demonstrate the ability to operate in the harsh winter environment in remote areas of the High Arctic, and to enhance its capability to respond to any situation in the Canada's North.[15][22]
  • Operation Nunakput – To assert Canada's sovereignty over its northernmost regions, to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' ability to operate in Arctic conditions, to improve coordination and cooperation in whole-of-government operations, and to maintain interoperability with mission partners for maximum effectiveness in response to safety and security issues in the North.[15][23]
  • Operation Palaci – Contribution to Parks Canada's avalanche-control program in Rogers Pass. To prevent uncontrolled, naturally occurring avalanches, and thus prevent blockage of the essential road and rail links between coastal British Columbia and the rest of Canada.[15][24]
  • Operation Sabot – Marijuana-eradication program conducted annually with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.[15][25]

Foreign

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Americas

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Africa

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  • Operation Crocodile – Military contribution to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[26][28]
  • Operation Saturn – To serve with UNAMID, the hybrid operation by the African Union (A.U.) and the United Nations in Darfur.[26][29]
  • Operation Soprano – Participation in the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), the military component of a "whole-of-government" engagement in South Sudan that also includes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.[26][30]
  • Operation Sirona – Military component of the Canadian whole-of-government contribution to fighting the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel will augment efforts undertaken by the United Kingdom to combat the spread of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Sierra Leone.[31]

Asia

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  • Operation Neon - Canadian contribution to monitor United Nations Security Council sanctions placed on North Korea.[32] The operation is renewed in 2023 up to 2026.[33] Formerly done under Operation Projection until 2019.[34]

At sea

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  • Operation Caribbe – Multinational campaign against illicit trafficking by transnational organized crime in the Caribbean basin and the eastern Pacific Ocean.[15][35]
  • Operation Artemis – Participation in counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea.[26][36]
  • Operation Projection - Royal Canadian Navy operations in the Asia-Pacific, Euro-Atlantic and African maritime environment in support of NATO Maritime Command, U.S. Naval Forces, and other allied operations.[37]

Middle East

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  • Operation Jade – Contribution to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in the Middle East[26][38]
  • Operation Gladius – Latest stage of Canada's long-standing participation in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria.[26][39]
  • Operation Calumet – Canada's participation in the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), an independent peacekeeping operation in the Sinai Peninsula.[26][40]
  • Operation Metric – Periodic participation in international efforts to enhance security in the eastern Mediterranean region, specifically the Middle East and North Africa.[41][42]
  • Operation Proteus – Canada's contribution to the Office of the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) in Jerusalem.[26][43]
  • Operation Foundation – Contribution of headquarters and liaison staff to United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) to support operations in its area of responsibility, which extends from Egypt to Pakistan and includes the Middle East and southwest Asia. Supports Canada's efforts in the Middle East and southwest Asia, and promotes Canadian values through regular presence and exchange with military allies, foreign armed forces, and governments in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility.[26][44]
  • Operation Impact – Canada's contribution to the US-led international coalition against ISIS.

Europe

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  • Operation Kobold – Deployment to Pristina, Kosovo, to serve with the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR).[26][45]
  • Operation Ignition – Periodic participation in the NATO – Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to Meet Iceland's Peacetime Preparedness Needs mission. This is an operation conducted to monitor Iceland's airspace and enforce security if required. Contributes to the security of Canadian airspace by monitoring and controlling air traffic in the northeastern approaches to North America.[41][46]
  • Operation Reassurance – Deployment in Central and Eastern Europe as part of NATO reassurance measures.[26][47]
  • Operation Snowgoose – Contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).[26][48]
  • Operation Unifier – Contribution to support Ukrainian forces through capacity building, in coordination with the U.S. and other countries providing similar training assistance.[49]

Worldwide

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  • Operation GLOBE - The Canadian Armed Forces's commitment to active engagement abroad. Allowed the opportunity to work alongside personnel from other government departments, as well as other nations. Currently used for deployments related to the COVID-19 pandemic abroad repatriating Canadians overseas, and United Nations-related transportation of humanitarian and food supplies on behalf of the World Food Programme and World Health Organization.[50]

Past operations

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This section consists of Canadian Forces operations that are no longer active or on-going on an annual or periodic basis and are deemed complete.

Domestic

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International

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This section covers past Canadian Forces operations that took place beyond Canada's borders. It includes peacekeeping operations as well as those through NATO and in participation with other allies.

Americas and Caribbean

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Africa

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PASSAGE

Europe, Balkans and Mediterranean

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South Asia

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Southeast Asia

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Southwest Asia and Middle East

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Defence, National (19 October 2020). "Past operations". Canada.ca. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  2. ^ "Current operations list". National Defence. 2022. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014.
  3. ^ Sorenson, David S.; Wood, Pia Christina (2005). The Politics of Peacekeeping in the Post-cold War Era. Psychology Press. p. 158. ISBN 978-0-7146-8488-8.
  4. ^ Sobel, Richard; Shiraev, Eric; Shapiro, Robert (2002). International Public Opinion and the Bosnia Crisis. Lexington Books. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-7391-0480-4.
  5. ^ Rudderham, M. A. (2008). "Canada and United Nations Peace Operations: Challenges, Opportunities, and Canada's Response". International Journal. 63 (2). [Sage Publications, Ltd., Canadian International Council]: 359–384. doi:10.1177/002070200806300210. ISSN 0020-7020. JSTOR 40204368.
  6. ^ a b Massie, Justin (30 April 2019). "Why Canada Goes to War: Explaining Combat Participation in US-led Coalitions". Canadian Journal of Political Science. 52 (3). Cambridge University Press (CUP): 575–594. doi:10.1017/s0008423919000040. ISSN 0008-4239.
  7. ^ a b Mingst, K.; Karns, M.P. (2019). The United Nations In The Post-cold War Era, Second Edition. Taylor & Francis. p. 63. ISBN 978-1-000-30674-3.
  8. ^ Farnsworth, Clyde H (27 November 1994). "Torture by Army Peacekeepers in Somalia Shocks Canada". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 1 May 2011.
  9. ^ Linda McQuaig (2010). Holding the Bully's Coat: Canada and the U.S. Empire. Random House Digital. p. 50. ISBN 978-0-385-67297-9.
  10. ^ James, P.; Michaud, N.; O'Reilly, M. (2006). Handbook of Canadian Foreign Policy. Lexington Books. p. 177. ISBN 978-0-7391-5580-6.
  11. ^ "Canada and the War in Afghanistan". The Canadian Encyclopedia. 11 September 2001. Retrieved 25 March 2024. In total, 165 Canadians died during the war in Afghanistan (158 soldiers, 7 civilians). More than 2,000 members of the CAF were wounded or injured during the war.
  12. ^ Defence, National (30 August 2016). "Canada in Afghanistan (2001-2014)". Canada.ca. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  13. ^ a b Defence, National (27 March 2024). "Current Operations and Combined Military Exercises list". Canada.ca. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  14. ^ Defence, National (27 March 2015). "Current operations list". www.canada.ca.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Recurring Operations – Canada North America – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 17 April 2014. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  16. ^ "Operation DRIFTNET". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  17. ^ "Operation LENTUS". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  18. ^ Leuprecht, Christian (25 May 2020). "Canada must divide its military resources along foreign and domestic lines". The Globe and Mail Inc.
  19. ^ "Operation LIMPID". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 25 April 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  20. ^ "Operation NANOOK". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  21. ^ "Operation NEVUS". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  22. ^ "Operation NUNALIVUT". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 16 May 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  23. ^ "Operation NUNAKPUT". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 25 March 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  24. ^ "Operation PALACI". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  25. ^ "Operation SABOT". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Current Operations – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 23 June 2014. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  27. ^ "HAMLET – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  28. ^ "CROCODILE – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  29. ^ "SATURN – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  30. ^ "SOPRANO – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  31. ^ Defence, Government of Canada, National (13 December 2018). "Operation SIRONA". www.forces.gc.ca.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ "Canada boosts Indo-Pacific naval deployments, military engagements". 3 June 2023.
  33. ^ "Canada Deploys CP-140 Aurora Aircraft to Japan to Support Implementation of Sanctions Against North Korea | Canadian Defence Review".
  34. ^ "Operation NEON". 2 October 2020.
  35. ^ "Operation CARIBBE". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 7 April 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  36. ^ "Operation ARTEMIS". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 20 May 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  37. ^ Defence, National (22 February 2018). "Operation PROJECTION". aem. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  38. ^ "JADE – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  39. ^ "GLADIUS – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  40. ^ "CALUMET – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  41. ^ a b c "Recurring Operations". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 20 March 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  42. ^ "METRIC – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 27 August 2013. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  43. ^ "PROTEUS – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  44. ^ "FOUNDATION – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  45. ^ "KOBOLD – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  46. ^ "IGNITION – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 17 October 2013. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  47. ^ "Operation REASSURANCE". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  48. ^ "SNOWGOOSE – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  49. ^ "Current operations – Operation Unifier". 31 July 2015. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  50. ^ "Operation Globe". Government of Canada. 8 November 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  51. ^ "Operations Database-Operation ABALONE". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  52. ^ "Operations Database-Operation BANDIT". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  53. ^ "Operations Database-Operation CADENCE". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  54. ^ "Operations Database-Operation CAULDRON". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  55. ^ "Operations Database-Operation COMPLIMENT". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  56. ^ "Operations Database-Operation CONSTABLE". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  57. ^ "Operations Database-Operation FORWARD ACTION". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  58. ^ "Operations Database-Operation HALO". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  59. ^ "Operations Database-Operation HERITAGE". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  60. ^ a b c "Canadian Forces Operations". Department of National Defence. 28 September 2011. Archived from the original on 1 October 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  61. ^ "Operations Database-Operation MATCH". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  62. ^ "Operations Database-Operation STABLE". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  63. ^ "Operations Database-Operation STANDARD". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  64. ^ "Operations Database-Operation SULTAN". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  65. ^ "Operations Database-Operation VISION". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  66. ^ "Operations Database-Operation QUARTZ". Department of National Defence/Directorate of History and Heritage. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  67. ^ "Op AUGURAL". Department of National Defence/Canadian Expeditionary Force Command. 12 August 2011. Archived from the original on 13 November 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  68. ^ "Operation Safari". Government of Canada. 22 July 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  69. ^ Personnel, Government of Canada, National Defence, Chief Military. "Operations Database Details/Information". www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  70. ^ "Support to French operations in Mali – Operations Abroad – National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces". Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 10 February 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  71. ^ "Op BRONZE". Department of National Defence/Canadian Expeditionary Force Command. 19 August 2011. Archived from the original on 13 November 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  72. ^ "Op QUADRANT". Department of National Defence/Canadian Expeditionary Force Command. 23 August 2011. Archived from the original on 13 November 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  73. ^ "Op SEXTANT". Department of National Defence/Canadian Expeditionary Force Command. 23 September 2011. Archived from the original on 13 November 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  74. ^ "Op ALTAIR". Department of National Defence/Canadian Expeditionary Force Command. 20 September 2011. Archived from the original on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  75. ^ Royal Canadian Navy. "Operation PREVENTION". Archived from the original on 3 June 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  76. ^ Op Impact (19 August 2014). "Operation Impact".
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