Canada to Participate in Major Rim of the Pacific Exercise
Quick Look
- Canada is sending three naval vessels, including two frigates and a submarine, to the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise (Rimpac) from Wednesday to July 31.
- The exercise involves over 25,000 personnel from 31 countries and will feature anti-submarine warfare training.
- Canada will also command the air component.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise (Rimpac) is a large-scale international military drill involving numerous countries and personnel.
HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Regina and submarine HMCS Corner Brook are slated to join the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise (Rimpac) from Wednesday to July 31, which is expected to draw more than 25,000 military personnel from 31 countries, including Australia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the UK.
Lieutenant Commander Linda Coleman, spokeswoman for Canada’s Maritime Forces Pacific, told local media that Rimpac “provides a valuable training environment” for its military assets, with Canadian sailors set to conduct anti-submarine warfare exercises alongside allied ships and aircraft.
The Canadian contingent, which also encompasses maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, cyber specialists, divers, medical teams and command staff, represents the most operationally substantive Canadian package Ottawa has fielded in years.
In a further signal of its ambitions, Canada is poised to command the air component of the Rimpac exercise, with South Korea taking the maritime lead. Both are roles traditionally reserved for major powers.
Open Questions
- What specific threats will be simulated?
- What are the long-term implications of Canada commanding the air component?
