Canada is deploying two frigates and a submarine for the world’s biggest naval exercise this week, in what analysts describe as a show of Indo-Pacific focus and a rebuttal to Washington’s accusations of “liberation”.
HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Regina and the submarine HMCS Corner Brook are expected to join the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise (Rimpac) from Wednesday to July 31, which is expected to draw more than 25,000 troops from 31 countries, including Australia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore.
Lieutenant Commander Linda Coleman, spokeswoman for Canada’s Pacific Naval Forces, told local media that Rimpac “provides an important training environment” for its military assets, and Canadian sailors are scheduled to conduct anti-submarine warfare exercises alongside allied ships and aircraft.
The Canadian force, which also includes maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, cyber experts, divers, medical teams and command staff, represents the most advanced Canadian package that Ottawa has delivered in years.
In a further sign of its ambitions, Canada is set to command the air component of the Rimpac exercise, with South Korea leading the sea. Both roles have traditionally been reserved for central authorities.
