The ceremony completed the signing of associated documents to formally hand over the system to the service. 

After the event, the HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPS 434) moved from Irving’s Nova Scotia facility to the navy’s HMC Dockyard in Halifax for further evaluation prior to its commissioning.

HMCS Frédérick Rolette is named after a Provincial Marine of Upper Canada lieutenant who served during the North American War in 1812.

The officer received a fifty-guinea sword of honor due to his valor upon returning to Québec City.

“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, our government is committed to providing members of the Royal Canadian Navy with the equipment they need to accomplish the difficult tasks we ask of them every day, while creating skilled jobs in our shipbuilding and marine industries across the country,” Canadian Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos stated.

“Today’s delivery of the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, the fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, is an important step toward ensuring the Royal Canadian Navy’s future operational readiness.”

Canada’s Harry DeWolf Fleet

Ottawa’s 4.98 billion Canadian dollars ($3.6 billion) Harry DeWolf AOPS initiative is expected to boost the armed forces’ surveillance capabilities across the nation’s waters as well as the Arctic region.

Each of the program’s vessels is designed to sail in remote areas without escorts. In addition to domestic missions, the fleet can support international security efforts focusing on anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and humanitarian assistance.

The Royal Canadian Navy commissioned the fourth DeWolf-class ship in May 2024.

Work for the sixth and final hull, the HMCS Robert Hampton, began in August 2022. It is expected to arrive by 2026.

“The delivery of our fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, brings the Royal Canadian Navy one step closer to completing Canada’s AOPV fleet,” Royal Canadian Navy Commander Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee remarked.

“These ships bring an incredible capability to the RCN, allowing us to patrol and protect Canada’s North. I would like to recognize the important work of our shipbuilders at Irving Shipbuilding, and all Canadian Shipyards who continue to build and deliver modern and capable ships to our sailors.”

The AOPS Design

Canada’s DeWolf ship has a length of 103.6 meters (339.8 feet) and a beam of 19 meters (62.3 feet).

The platform can carry about 70 personnel, a small utility helicopter, snowmobiles, pickup trucks, and an unmanned aerial system.

The vessel is powered by diesel-electric engines for a top speed of 17 knots (31.4 kilometers/19.5 miles per hour) and a range of 6,800 nautical miles (12,594 kilometers/7,825 miles).

It is equipped with satellite communication systems, anti-missile detection, damage and machinery control systems, 25-millimeter shipboard naval guns, and additional heavy-caliber machine guns.

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Stationed at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, the Arctic Aviation Command will be home to two active-duty battalions, which are both the first battalions of the 25th and 52nd Aviation Regiments.

These units, which are already in Alaska, previously reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington and Fort Shafter in Hawaii.

With the recent development, the two battalions will directly and exclusively report to the new local command while continuing to support operations in the region.

“The Arctic is obviously a strategically important region for the US,” command head Col. Russ Vanderlugt said. “You have to be in the Arctic to understand the Arctic.”

Growing Threats

Last month, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced that American and Canadian warplanes intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers near Alaska.

Moscow and Beijing then confirmed that they were staging a joint patrol over the north Pacific Ocean during the intercept but insisted that they stayed in international airspace.

The Pentagon also sounded the alarm on the increasing Russian-Chinese collaboration in the region, both militarily and commercially.

“We’ve seen growing cooperation between [China] and Russia in the Arctic commercially, with [China] being a major funder of Russian energy exploitation in the Arctic,” Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks said.

With the new Arctic Aviation Command, the US Army is expected to have a better Arctic posture by stationing its leaders in Alaska to facilitate improved training.

It would also allow for more equipment to provide a direct line of support to Arctic units.

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Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) documents seen by Ottawa Citizen suggest that the icy, -30 Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) weather in the country’s far north will be a serious test for the Reaper’s ability to conduct its missions.

The drones will also have to operate from remote runways in the region where satellite coverage is limited.

Satellites are critical for drone operations as they are used to transmit flight instructions and surveillance data.

In addition to environmental challenges, the documents noted that Canadian military personnel do not have enough experience in operating larger drones.

Change of Plans

Plans to procure MQ-9 Reaper drones first surfaced in 2023 when Canadian military sources said the country was “setting the stage” to negotiate with the US and drone manufacturer General Atomics.

The reported value of the acquisition was five billion Canadian dollars ($3.7 billion).

Since then, Ottawa reportedly planned to build the drones’ own forward operating base in the Arctic, which will also house maintenance personnel.

But a change of plans now indicates that the unmanned platforms will use an existing forward operating base in the Arctic along with other RCAF aircraft.

To accommodate the 4,900-pound (2,223-kilogram) drone, the Canadian military is said to soon be installing new hangars and upgrading existing facilities at the base.

There will also be modifications to the drones ahead of their expected delivery in 2028 to address the difficult Arctic conditions.

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The 18-page document highlights the shifting operational environment in the region, which could have detrimental implications for US defense and security.

To address that, the Pentagon said it will adopt a “monitor-and-respond” approach in the vital territory with the help of modern surveillance and communications systems.

It will also deploy long-range early warning systems and tracking sensors to enhance the domain awareness of the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Furthermore, the DoD highlighted the need to engage with allies “to uphold defense and deterrence in the Arctic, build interoperability, and increase its understanding of how to operate in the region.”

“The Arctic region of the US is critical to the defense of our homeland,” Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks said. “Our Arctic strategy will guide the department’s efforts to ensure that the Arctic remains a secure and stable region.”

Concerning China-Russia Cooperation

The Pentagon has already expressed concerns about Russia’s increasing presence in the Arctic region.

The largest of all Arctic nations, Russia gradually reopened its Soviet-era military installations in the region, providing it with more Arctic military bases than the whole of NATO.

“Russia continues to pose an acute threat to security and stability in the region,” Hicks stressed, adding that Moscow continues to “assert excessive claims over Arctic waters.”

China, meanwhile, has significantly increased its presence in the Arctic as it now operates three icebreakers and established a military presence there.

“While not an Arctic state, [Beijing] seeks greater influence in the region… That’s concerning given that it’s the only strategic competitor with the will and increasingly the wherewithal to remake the international order,” Hicks claimed.

Last year, Chinese and Russian vessels were detected conducting joint patrols off the coast of Alaska.

The post US Unveils New Arctic Strategy With Eye on China, Russia appeared first on The Defense Post.

“We’ve seen growing cooperation between the PRC and Russia in the Arctic commercially, with the PRC being a major funder of Russian energy exploitation in the Arctic,” Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks told journalists, using an abbreviation for the People’s Republic of China.

There is also growing military cooperation, “with Russia and China conducting joint exercises off the coast of Alaska,” Hicks said as the department released its 2024 Arctic strategy.

“All of these challenges have been amplified because the effects of climate change are rapidly warming temperatures and thinning ice coverage, and it’s enabling all of this activity,” she said.

The Arctic strategy describes it as “a strategically important region” for the United States that includes “the northern approaches to the homeland” and “significant US defense infrastructure.”

Russia has in recent years beefed up its military presence in the Arctic by reopening and modernizing several bases and airfields abandoned since the end of the Soviet era, while China has poured money into polar exploration and research.

The rapid melting of polar ice has sent activity in the inhospitable region into overdrive as nations eye newly viable oil, gas, and mineral deposits, as well as shipping routes in an area with a complex web of competing territorial claims.

“The Arctic may experience its first practically ice-free summer by 2030, and the loss of sea ice will increase the viability of Arctic maritime transit routes and access to undersea resources,” the Arctic strategy says.

“Increases in human activity will elevate the risk of accidents, miscalculation, and environmental degradation,” and US forces “must be ready and equipped to mitigate the risks associated with potential contingencies in the Arctic.”

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Revealed by the White House during the 2024 NATO Summit, the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort or ICE Pact seeks a “best-in-class” fleet that will address the “expanding presence” of potential enemies and competitors in the High North.

Although specifics have not yet been released, Bollinger said it will leverage its shipyards to aid the program and play a “critical role” in the capacity and know-how for the ships’ development.

The company has a long record of producing vessels for international military customers. Currently, it is engaged with the US Coast Guard’s Polar Security Cutter program to replace the service’s heavy and medium icebreaker vessels by the 2030s.

“As the premiere builder of American-made polar icebreakers, Bollinger Shipyards is proud to support the United States and our NATO allies with our deep expertise and capacity,” Bollinger Shipyards CEO and President Ben Bordelon said.

“Our goal is to create a world-class American-owned shipyard capable of producing the first fleet of American-made polar icebreakers in over half a century, and we’re honored that responsibility lies with Bollinger.”

The ICE Pact

According to the US, the ICE Pact will bolster each participating nation’s industrial base by supporting jobs across shipyards, marine equipment manufacturers, and associated services.

The program’s initial phase will consist of comprehensive information exchange between the members, workforce integration, and the promotion of icebreaker sales to allied and partner nations.

The government wrote that the program’s first six months will focus on the joint implementation plan to construct the vessels.

“This partnership is about more than the collective production of polar icebreakers and capabilities, including Arctic and polar-capable ships,” the White House said.

“It is about providing the capability for like-minded nations to uphold international rules, norms, and standards to sustain peace and stability in the Arctic…for generations to come.”

Canadian Arctic Submarines

During the latest NATO meeting in DC, Canada also announced a new program to build a dozen conventionally-powered submarines to secure all of its three major coasts.

These systems will receive an “under-ice” design that will enable operability in low-temperature environments such as the Arctic Ocean.

Once inducted, the fleet will replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s Victoria-class submarines, introduced in the early 1990s.

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The fleet will take over the role of the nation’s aging Victoria-class submarines in service since the early 1990s.

Although no specifications have been declassified, the Canadian defense agency revealed the systems will incorporate an “under-ice” capability to match conditions across the Arctic and other oceans surrounding the country.

They will also incorporate extended range and endurance to maintain detection and neutralization capabilities across Canada and in support of allies.

Ottawa is now negotiating with manufacturers and potential partners to execute works for the submarines.

This process will be followed by a request for information in the fall to streamline details regarding the construction, procurement, delivery, and operational capabilities of potential bidders.

The request will also promote the possibility of a domestic submarine sustainment center to support the upcoming ships.

Canadian Patrol Submarine Project

Called the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), the initiative aligns with the government’s latest defense policy, which indicates the impact of global warming on the Arctic and how it could result in new threats with “growing capabilities and regional military ambitions.”

Ottawa wrote that the CPSP vessels will be utilized to monitor areas such as the nation’s Northwest Passage, parts of the Arctic region, and other maritime locations where “more frequent and regular presence” is observed.

The government noted that such activities involve sea floor exploration, intelligence, and probing of Canadian infrastructure.

In its announcement, Ottawa hinted that the CPSP effort is part of Canada’s response to China’s and Russia’s growing underwater fleets.

“As the country with the longest coastline in the world, Canada needs a new fleet of submarines – and today, we’ve announced that we will move forward with this acquisition,” Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair remarked during the announcement.

“This new fleet will enable Canada to protect its sovereignty in a changing world, and make valuable, high-end contributions to the security of our partners and NATO Allies. We look forward to delivering this new fleet to the Royal Canadian Navy.”

The post Canada to Build 12 Arctic-Capable Submarines appeared first on The Defense Post.

Hailed as an “important milestone” by Premier Jonas Gahr Store, it is the latest security maneuver following Finland and Sweden’s recent accession to NATO.

Russia has boosted its military presence in the Arctic region, and Finland and Sweden joined the alliance, citing regional security motives heightened by Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“Today we agree to establish a military transport corridor through Northern Norway, Northern Sweden and Northern Finland,” Store said in statement following a meeting with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

“It will help ensure that personnel and materiel can be quickly moved from Norwegian ports through Sweden and to Finland,” he added.

Finland and Sweden dropped decades of military non-alignment after the Ukraine invasion by applying to join the military alliance — with Finland becoming a member in April 2023 and Sweden in March of this year.

The harsh Arctic region has gained geopolitical importance in recent years, as melting ice due to global warming looks set to open up vital shipping routes and resources.

In March, NATO also staged war games in the region as part of the four-month Steadfast Defender exercise, the largest drills by the US-led military alliance since the Cold War.

Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia has ramped up its capabilities in the Arctic — home to the powerful Northern Fleet, the Russian navy’s biggest, which includes numerous submarines equipped with nuclear warheads.

The Norwegian government said in its statement that the countries’ defense ministers would lead the work of establishing the corridor.

“Together, they will identify bottlenecks, update necessary regulations and legislation, and invest in the necessary infrastructure to ensure fast and efficient military mobility,” the statement said.

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The 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 boast a Blackout Mode in which a single switch instantly turns off all lights for discreet operations. Infrared lighting then provides visibility to operators, the Minnesota-based firm explained.

White body panels enhance the vehicles’ camouflage, and a handlebar with a mountain hoop provides a better ride angle.

The snowmobiles are equipped with a 12-volt power outlet for charging hand-held electronics and other mission essentials, while a power-boosting regulator supports the outlet when the vehicle is idling or at low speed.

650 TITAN Features

The 650 TITAN is built on the proven Matryx platform and is powered by a 650 Patriot engine.

The two-person snowmobile can accommodate an additional 125 pounds (56 kilograms) in the cargo area.

It comes with a hitch to tow a trailer and an additional 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms) of mission-critical supplies.

850 PRO RMK Features

Meanwhile, the lighter and nimbler 850 PRO RMK is designed for superior maneuverability for patrol and reconnaissance.

It features an extended track and tapered tunnel for increased mobility in deep snow.

Both the snowmobiles are equipped with Polaris two-stroke engines and offer both electric and manual start options.

“The all-new 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 snowmobiles are engineered with the input of our longstanding snowmobile customers,” Polaris Government & Defense VP Nick Francis said.

“Working closely with the operators that specialize in arctic operations helps ensure these next-gen OSRVs meet the standards and requirements of today’s militaries while continuing to provide exceptional maneuver capability, utility and reliable operation during harsh winter operations.”

Meanwhile, European militaries are planning to procure snowmobiles for operations in colder climates, including the UK, Finland, and Sweden.

The post Polaris Launches Military Snowmobiles With Stealth Features appeared first on The Defense Post.

The Commando Force, the UK’s specialist extreme cold weather troops, is receiving the fleet of Lynx Brutal Over Snow Reconnaissance Vehicles from Canadian firm Bombardier Recreational Products.

The new vehicles will be used by the Littoral Response Group to deploy troops across a wider area for reconnaissance, raiding, and strike missions in Northern Europe.

Commando Force Programme Director Captain Nick Unwin said the acquisition marks the next step in the Commando Force’s transformation.

“The Lynx Brutal is a well-proven vehicle operated by many partners and allies, and will play a key part in the Commando’s ability to operate in areas and in ways that are beyond the capabilities of conventional forces in the High North,” he stated.

Delivery for the snowmobiles will begin in March 2025.

A Better Travel Method

Designed to operate in deep snow and rough off-trail spots, the Lynx Brutal is ideally suited for tactical positioning behind enemy lines.

It is equipped with a 180-horsepower engine and is fitted with a 37-liter fuel tank for increased operability.

Its ability to travel great distances across difficult terrain will help the force cover more ground, eliminating the need to employ traditional methods of travel such as skiing, being towed by armored vehicles, or walking with snowshoes.

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