Canada will deploy navy ships in the Indo-Pacific to promote peace and stability in the region.
Minister of National Defence Bill Blair, who announced the Canadian government’s decision at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, noted that Ottawa’s naval presence in the region will support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
“This Canadian naval deployment demonstrates that Canada is a partner for peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” Blair said.
The Royal Canadian Navy’s deployment plans involve the participation of HMCS Vancouver in the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 in Hawaii.
Max Bernays, Motor Vessel Asterix and around 300 Canadian Armed Forces personnel will join the frigate on RIMPAC 24, where 29 countries will participate in joint naval drills to practice working and fighting together.
After its Hawaiian stop, HMCS Vancouver will head west to join HMCS Montreal for Operation Horizon, Canada’s forward-presence mission in the region.
HMCS Ottawa will follow the two warships around September, according to the Canadian government.
The Department of National Defence noted that 2024 marks the second year that the RCN will send three ships in the Indo-Pacific, where the service aims to establish defense collaboration with regional allies and partners.