Canada is set to reintegrate submarine operations into the RIMPAC 2026 after a gap of more than a decade, marking a significant revival of its undersea warfare participation in the world’s largest maritime military exercise.
The HMCS Corner Brook, currently the only operational submarine in Canada’s fleet, will sail from Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt following extensive maintenance and modernization. The vessel recently completed a major refit program that included structural repairs, upgraded electronic warfare systems, and improved battery monitoring technology designed to enhance underwater endurance and threat detection.
Once deployed, the submarine will join two Canadian frigates, a replenishment vessel, patrol aircraft, and helicopters as part of Canada’s contribution of roughly 800 personnel to the multinational exercise held near Hawaii. The drills will involve anti-submarine warfare, missile firings, ship boarding operations, and coordinated multinational naval training alongside more than 30 partner nations.
The Royal Canadian Navy is also showcasing upgraded combat capabilities during the exercise, including advanced air defense missile systems and enhanced submarine detection technologies across its Halifax-class fleet. Air support from CP-140 Aurora aircraft and CH-148 Cyclone helicopters will extend surveillance and operational reach across vast ocean zones.
Canada’s return to submarine participation at RIMPAC reflects renewed emphasis on Indo-Pacific security cooperation under its long-term defense strategy, which prioritizes expanded regional presence and stronger alliances.
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