Two Canadian warships depart Halifax for NATO mine-hunting mission in European waters

Friends and family bid farewell to sailors leaving Halifax for a NATO mission on July 7, 2026. (Carl Pomeroy/CTV News Atlantic)

HALIFAX — Two Canadian warships sailed out of Halifax harbour today on a NATO mission to detect and neutralize sea mines in European waters.

The mission is part of Operation Reassurance, which has been dedicated to deterring Russian aggression in central and eastern Europe since Russia invaded Crimea in 2014.

The Royal Canadian Navy says the two ships — HMCS Moncton and HMCS Edmonton — each carry about 45 sailors and will be hunting for mines from July to October.

The Kingston-class coastal defence vessels are equipped with advanced mine countermeasures, including autonomous underwater vehicles and navy dive teams.

Operation Reassurance is currently Canada’s largest overseas military operation.

More than 3,000 military members are deployed throughout the year to support the operation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2026.

The Canadian Press