The Minister of National Defense restated June 3 that Canada will significantly enhance its military presence in the Indo-Pacific through Operation HORIZON. The new operation will replace the Indo-Pacific portion of Canada’s existing Operation PROJECTION and involve the annual deployment of an additional warship to the region, increased Canadian participation in international exercises, and strengthened relationships with regional partners through increased security cooperation.
Operation HORIZON will increase opportunities to work side-by-side with allies and partners and empower Canada to play an even more active role in contributing to regional security.
The minister noted that under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Royal Canadian Navy deployed an Atlantic-based frigate to the Indo-Pacific Region for the first time in 2023. His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Montreal is currently in the region, delivering on our promise to grow our naval presence in the Indo-Pacific.
The next Deputy Commander of the United Nations Command in the Republic of Korea will be a Canadian General Officer/Flag Officer. The current Chief of the Defense Staff, General Wayne Eyre, was the first non-US General Officer appointed to the position from 2018-2019. This commitment further increases Canada’s engagement with regional partners to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Canada recently signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Korea on defense research and development, allowing defense scientists to share information and identify potential future partnerships. The MOU also facilitates collaboration between our respective defense organizations, which may include the exchange of information, scientists, and engineers.