Posted Jun 3, 2023 11:33 am ET
Secretary of Defense Anita Anand looks on after delivering a keynote address at the CANSEC exhibition in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Defense Minister Anita Anand says Canada is committed to supporting a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and is increasing its military presence in the region. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
SINGAPORE – Defense Secretary Anita Anand says Canada is committed to supporting a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and is increasing its military presence in the region.
Speaking in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual intergovernmental security conference, Anand announced that Canada would significantly increase its military presence in the Indo-Pacific through Operation Horizon.
Anand says the new operation will replace the Indo-Pacific portion of Canada’s existing Operation Projection.
These include the annual dispatch of an additional warship to the region, increased Canadian participation in international exercises and strengthening relationships with regional partners through increased security cooperation.
Two Canadian military ships are currently in the area, HMCS Montreal and support ship MV Asterix.
Anand says the new operation will enable Canada to play a more active role in regional security.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 3, 2023.
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