Yes, of course. Thank you for the question.
Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic is secure and it's well established. We're taking action, and we're making landmark investments to increase our ability to operate in the Arctic, including joint exercises in the Arctic, purchasing six Arctic and offshore patrol ships and enhancing our capability to defend Arctic sovereignty with 88 new fighter jets.
Last month, May 16 in fact, I hosted a very productive security and defence dialogue with Arctic allies and partners from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the United States, to discuss evolving security and climate dynamics in the Arctic as well as Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine.
Your question specifically mentioned the Arctic offshore patrol ships. Those are integral to defending the north. We have had two of those six ships delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy already. As many of you already know, the HMCS Harry DeWolf recently completed a circumnavigation of North America. That's the first Royal Canadian Navy ship to do so since 1954. A third vessel is also in the water, and we look forward to its delivery this fall.
In addition, this procurement project is helping to revitalize the Canadian shipbuilding industry by sustaining 2,000 jobs annually. That is why we are requesting $340 million in the estimates to continue funding construction efforts during the implementation-phase activities of the project, including construction on ships three to six.
These ships are simply critical to enhancing the navy's ability to assert Canadian sovereignty in Arctic and coastal waters. We will always remain firm and unwavering in defending Canada's sovereignty, the peoples and communities of the north, and our national interests. Thank you.