Innovation

The space environment is evolving rapidly. To keep pace with emerging technologies and ensure the CAF remains agile and can adapt to the evolving security environment, it must be at the forefront of innovation.

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) was announced in Canada’s Defence Policy and will support the development of solutions to some of Canada’s toughest defence and security challenges. IDEaS offers support for innovations from their conceptual stage, through prototype testing and capability development.

Under IDEaS, the Canadian Armed Forces is seeking to develop a common operating picture of space assets, a need driven by today’s highly competitive space operations environment. New space-based technologies will enable DND/CAF to maintain space situational awareness for informed, expedited decision making in support of space system operations.

Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) provides opportunities for collaboration between the Defence Team and the defence and security expert community. A recent example on the topic of Space was participation in a MINDs sponsored panel on space debris and mega-constellations of satellites. This opportunity offered a means for the Canadian Armed Forces to access relevant, timely expertise that incorporated a diversity of viewpoints.