Canada is deploying two more warships to search for mines in European waters

Canada is deploying two Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) warships from their home port of Halifax to participate in a NATO naval mine clearance operation in Northern Europe.

Defense Minister Anita Anand made the announcement on a news conference in London, UK, on ​​June 29, along with her British counterpart, Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace.

His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Shawinigan and HMCS Summerside will deploy on July 3 to join Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) in Latvia for Operation Reassurance.

Anand said the mine countermeasures group was formed in 1973 to clear World War II mines from the English Channel. The Canadian ships will patrol the northern waters of Europe and hunt for naval mines.

“In addition to our efforts at sea, we will continue to be part of this high readiness task force with a long history of clearing ordinances at sea, making maritime routes safer for all maritime activities,” said Anand.

“This demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to NATO and the presence of these ships will enhance security in European waters.”

Both ships carry Royal Canadian Navy dive teams as well as mine countermeasures capabilities using autonomous underwater vehicles, the federal government said in a June 29 statement. press release.

“The contribution of two Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defense Vessels (MCDV) to SNMCMG1 demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to NATO’s continued high-readiness presence at sea, and the Royal Canadian Navy’s leadership in strengthening security in European waters,” the press release said.

Ukraine

During Anand’s trip to the UK from June 27 to 29, the minister visited a military base where CAF members train Ukrainian soldiers.

At the press conference, Anand spoke about Canada’s commitment to continue supplying donations and military support to Ukraine.

Since February 2022, when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Canada has pledged more than $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, she said, and recently announced another $500 million in aid. She added that Canada has deployed hundreds of armored vehicles, eight main battle tanks, an air defense system, along with artillery, ammunition and more.

The United Kingdom is home to the Royal Canadian Air Force detachment in Prestwick, Scotland, which has delivered more than £10 million in Ukraine-bound military aid donated by Canada and its partners and allies using three Hercules aircraft, said Anand, thanking the British government for hosting the detachment.

Anand added that the CAF has trained more than 36,000 Ukrainian troops through Operation Unifier. “Canada will stand by our allies in support of Ukraine for as long as necessary,” she added.

Anand said Canada’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains “unprotected”.

“We will always do whatever it takes to defend every inch of NATO territory. Finally, Canada and the United Kingdom share a deep and historic relationship forged on the battlefields where we championed the values ​​of peace and freedom for all people,” she said at the press conference.