Canada’s second appearance at the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific exercise puts a Halifax-class frigate into high-end anti-submarine warfare training
The Canadian Armed Forces are participating in Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, a U.S.-led biennial exercise bringing allied forces together for combat training across the Indo-Pacific.
Running from June 22 to July 5, Canada’s contribution includes HMCS Charlottetown, land-based personnel in Guam, Hawaii and Japan, and members of 2 Wing Bagotville.
Hunting submarines
Charlottetown is conducting anti-submarine warfare training during the exercise. The wider exercise includes the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group, U.S. Air Force F-35As, American and Japanese surface combatants, and submarines from both countries, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
That gives the Royal Canadian Navy an opportunity to practise detecting and tracking underwater threats inside a large, contested operating environment rather than as a stand-alone ship exercise.
The Halifax-class frigate carries a crew of approximately 240, including RCN sailors and RCAF aviators who operate and support its embarked CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter.
Beyond the ship
Canadian personnel ashore are training to detect, track and engage threats across sea, air, land and cyberspace while supporting multinational planning and coordination.
Members of 2 Wing Bagotville are also taking part in Airfield Damage Repair training in Guam, testing their ability to assess damage, repair critical infrastructure and restore air operations following an attack.
A growing coalition
Valiant Shield began as a U.S.-only exercise in 2006 and expanded into a multinational event in 2024, according to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This year marks its 11th iteration and only the second involving the CAF. The exercise brings together forces from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the United States.
Canada’s participation falls under Operation HORIZON, the CAF mission supporting Canadian engagement and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“Participating in Exercise Valiant Shield provides an important opportunity for HMCS Charlottetown to strengthen interoperability and operate alongside our allies and partners in a complex, multi-domain environment,” said Commander Jonathan Maurice, the ship’s commanding officer.