Future Force Design

Description

Develop and design the future force through a deep understanding of the future operating environment and security risks to Canada and Canadian interests. Enhance Defence’s ability to identify, prevent, adapt and respond to a wide range of contingencies through collaborative innovation networks and advanced research. 

Planning highlights

The future security environment presents a vast array of complex defence and security challenges that transcend national borders. In order to keep pace with our allies, and potential adversaries, it is imperative that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) prioritizes efforts to design our future force.

Future force planning is a long-term and continuous activity that seeks to address future threats and defence and security challenges with innovative solutions.

The Department of National Defence (DND)/CAF will support the ongoing implementation of the defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE). This will include traditional decision making support to the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) through a progressive approach designed to build on capabilities from year-to-year. The intra-departmental alignment and validation will be done through different review processes such as the Defence Capability Board and the Independent Review Panel for Defence Acquisition. These reviews and other analysis efforts aim to verify and streamline the procurement process. These activities will be informed by the published Force Capability Plan and Joint Capstone Concept.

In response to an increasingly complex security environment, effective innovation is critical to ensure DND is successful in achieving a modern and prepared armed forces. Building on the innovation initiatives, Defence Science, Technology and Innovation will develop an experimentation approach that will accelerate the adoption of technological advances within DND/CAF.

Defence Science, Technology and Innovation will provide a way forward for Artificial Intelligence Science and Technology projects and activities, which will inform DND/CAF on both threats and opportunities to best position the department for future operations.

With new capabilities, comes the need for employees with special skill sets. The Cyber Operator military occupation has been created (in both the Regular and Reserve Force) and the focus is now on improving recruiting, individual training and career management for cyber specialists.

Work will continue to formalize CAF’s partnership with Communications Security Establishment and to design a cyber force that includes both military and civilian personnel.

Key Corporate Risk(s)

There are no key corporate risks associated with the Future Force design core responsibility at this time. 

Departmental Result 4.1 – Defence capabilities are designed to meet future threats 

• DND/CAF will support the implementation of SSE’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) initiative as a co-chair of the associated steering committee alongside the Chair of DND’s science and technology committee.
• The Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, will continue the key tasks of the Force Mix Structure Design, which will realign the CAF’s structure, and ensure it can deliver the operational concurrency required by SSE.
• A new Capability Based Planning cycle will begin, informed by collaborative Future Operating Environment work with our Five Eyes allies (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States). This Capability Based Planning cycle will be grounded in the SSE capability investment path and will consider NORAD and NATO requirements.
• Defence will continue to work closely with Public Safety Canada to advance a new Cyber Security Strategy. In collaboration with other government departments, we will continue to develop and refine a security framework for cyber threats.
• Defence will develop a Cyber Mission Assurance Program that will identify, assess, and mitigate cyber-associated risks through a comprehensive risk management governance framework. This program will help DND/CAF to better respond to potential threats allowing freedom of operations.
• Work with Allies to increase resilience of long range communications systems. 

Defence Capabilities – Cyber threats and Security

Defence is developing cyber capabilities to address cyber threats in the defence of DND/CAF networks and essential information in order to achieve information superiority. Some capabilities end up in the Canadian Forces Network Operations Centre.

Planned results

Departmental Result 4.2 – Defence and security challenges are addressed through innovative solutions 

• Report on initial results in the utilization of the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program elements toward improving Defence and Security capabilities, while generating economic benefits to Canada. IDEaS will provide support and opportunities to innovators, incentivize the development of solutions and provide opportunities for the integration and adoption of solutions and new capabilities.
• Present preliminary findings on work for prioritizing Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance as a defence research and development priority to produce innovative solutions to surveillance challenges in the North and be positioned to inform future investments in Continental Defence capabilities.
• Continue to contribute science and technology related activities and knowledge expertise to whole-of-government initiatives and special event planning. Contributions will include science and technology work related to advancing physical security, data analytics, and connected technologies for the government’s public safety and security communities.
• Advance the work on alternative energy options and their potential use for operations including reducing electrical energy consumption at deployed camps, using cleaner fuels, designing more efficient soldier equipment, and providing more efficient power solutions for operations.
• Continue Science, Technology and Innovation contributions to developing a departmental capability in defence analytics by:
  • Leading the delivery of advanced analytics to enhance evidence based decision making; and
  • Providing Science, Technology and Innovation advice for the next steps in adopting an enterprise approach to drive analytics adoption throughout DND/CAF.
• Defence will continue to advance research in the future of cyberwarfare to improve and strengthen both defensive and offensive capabilities. 

Defence and Security – Innovation

The Department of National Defence’s Science and Technology organization and Defence Research and Development Canada major programs include: All Domain Situational Awareness, Canadian Safety and Security Program, and Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security.

Planned results

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (full-time equivalents)