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International Security

Military Assistance Donations to Ukraine

  • Canada is working closely with our Allies and partners to help Ukraine protect its sovereignty and defend itself against Russia’s illegal war.
  • That is why we will provide predictable, steady funding to supply Ukraine with Canadian-made armoured vehicles through a new investment of $650 million over three years.
  • We are also providing support the Joint Coalition Effort on F-16 training, and $30 million for the Leopard 2 Maintenance and Service Centre in Poland.
  • This builds on my recent announcement of $33 million to provide Ukraine with high priority air defence equipment alongside our Allies and partners.
  • We also continue to provide military equipment requested by Ukraine, including NATO-standard small arms ammunition and high-resolution drone cameras.
  • Canada’s contribution of an air task force helps to transport vital military equipment in support of Ukraine in collaboration with our Allies.
  • To date, our Air Task Force in Prestwick, Scotland has delivered over 12 million pounds of cargo, largely consisting of military aid.
  • With this latest announcement, Canada has committed over $2.4 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since February 2022.

If pressed on the donation of M113 personnel carriers:

  • We remain engaged with industry and continue to examine what we can donate from our existing stocks while maintaining operational readiness.
  • We have donated 200 Canadian-made Armoured Personnel Carriers, eight commercial pattern armoured vehicles, and 39 armoured combat support vehicles.
  • All vehicles have now been delivered to Ukraine.
  • We are exploring a variety of options to continue providing Ukraine with comprehensive military assistance.

If pressed on the F-16 fighter aircraft training:

  • In May, we announced that Canada would support the Danish and Dutch-led Joint Coalition on F-16 training.
  • Since then, we have participated in discussions and planning to assist in the development of a training program and to identify where Canada can best provide support.
  • These planning efforts are focused on training students with no prior experience to become pilots, technicians, and support staff to operate the F-16 safely and effectively.

Key Facts

  • On June 10, 2023, the Prime Minister committed an additional $500 million in new funding for military assistance, as well as:
    • 288 AIM-7 missiles for use in air defense systems;
    • 10,000 rounds of 105mm artillery ammunition;
    • Contributions to multinational efforts to train pilots and maintain and support Ukraine’s F-16s; and
    • Contributions to the Leopard 2 tank maintenance centre in Poland.

Military Aid Committed since February 2022

  • Military equipment requested by Ukraine, including personal protective equipment, night vision gear, medical supplies, helmets, and other highly specialized pieces of military equipment;
  • A National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) and associated missiles;
  • 8 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and 1 armoured recovery vehicle (ARV);
  • 39 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs);
  • 208 commercial pattern armoured vehicles;
  • Heavy artillery, including 4 M777 Howitzers and related ammunition;
  • 76 high resolution cameras;
  • Over 22,600 military-grade small arms and approximately 5 million rounds of ammunition;
  • Anti-armour weapons systems and rocket launchers;
  • Over 640,000 individual meal packs;
  • Winter clothing and equipment;
  • High-resolution satellite imagery; and
  • Other equipment requested by Ukraine, including personal protective equipment, night vision gear, medical supplies, helmets, and other highly specialized pieces of military equipment.
  • Military Equipment provided from 2015 to January 2022 included body armour, mobile field hospital, communications gear, and explosive disposal equipment.

Details

Report to Parliament on Actions Taken to Support Ukraine

  • In response to an April 2022 unanimous consent motion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs tabled a report on Government of Canada actions to support Ukraine on August 17, 2022.
  • In addition to outlining military aid, the report also provides an overview of economic aid and efforts to track crimes against humanity and war crimes to ensure that Russia is held accountable.
  • National Defence continues to provide an updated list of Canadian military support to Ukraine on the National Defence website.

Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG)

  • The UDCG was created to provide a strategic mechanism to identify critical equipment needs and gaps for Ukraine, allow Allies and partners to de-conflict donations, to consult and coordinate assistance to Ukraine, and to build the AFU’s capabilities.
  • Convening monthly at the ministerial level, the UDCG now brings together over 50 countries.
  • Canada’s priority objectives for the UDCG include supporting efforts of Allies and partners to coordinate military assistance donations and the delivery of urgent priority equipment to Ukraine, facilitating longer-term capabilities development by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reinforcing concrete Canadian commitments to Ukraine, and providing an update on Canada’s new military assistance commitment to Ukraine.

Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U)

  • The CAF is working alongside 17 other nations as part of the US led Security Assistance Group. Approximately 21 CAF members, led by a Brigadier-General, are actively helping to facilitate the transfer of aid, working to align future donations, and planning for the immediate and long-term training needs of the Security Forces of Ukraine in concert with our Allies and partners. The Canadian Army Brigadier-General is also employed as the SAG-U Deputy Commanding General – Training to oversee training efforts.

Operation UNIFIER (Ukraine) 

  • Canada will continue to help empower Ukrainians with the skills they need to defend their nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • Currently, over 300 Canadian Armed Forces are supporting several ongoing training missions in the United Kingdom, Poland, and Latvia under Operation UNIFIER.
  • Over 300 Canadian Armed Forces members are deployed to provide and coordinate training, national command support, and facilitate and deliver military donations to Ukraine in coordination with Allies.
  • Canadian soldiers are providing basic training, combat engineering, combat medic, and leadership development training to Ukrainian recruits, among other skills.
  • We are also working with the Communications Security Establishment on measures to support enhanced intelligence cooperation and cyber security.
  • Over 37,000 Ukrainian military and security personnel have been trained by Canadian Armed Forces members since the start of Operation UNIFIER in 2015.
  • Additionally, at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, Canada, its G7 partners, and several other NATO Allies committed to formalizing enduring support to Ukraine through bilateral long-term security commitments.
  • Alongside our Allies, we will continue to provide high quality training to Ukraine.

If pressed on reimbursing Canadian Armed Forces members in Poland for meals:

  • The Canadian Armed Forces has been taking immediate steps to address the backlog of reimbursement claims.
  • Additional administrative staff were deployed in January 2023 to provide ongoing support to Operation UNIFIER members.
  • The deployment period for financial staff has also been extended, to increase the capacity to clear the backlog.
  • Through these actions, the Canadian Armed Forces has meaningfully reduced the backlog of claims, and expects to have the monthly claims approval process back on track in the coming weeks.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces continues to evaluate the claims process, to determine whether additional support personnel are required to ensure that both operational demands and administrative demands of CAF members are met.

Key Facts

  • Mandate for Operation UNIFIER extended to March 2026
  • On August 4, 2022 Canada announced resumption of large scale training through Operation UNIFIER, specifically in partnership with the UK’s Operation INTERFLEX.
  • Current Training Missions:
  • Poland – Combat Medic Training
    • 12 CAF members providing medical training.
    • To date, the CAF has trained over 100 combat medics for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
  • Poland – Armoured Training Element
    • To date, CAF personnel have trained over 150 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Leopard 2 tanks.
  • Poland – Sapper Training
    • Approximately 50 CAF Combat Engineers are instructing Ukrainian sappers on basic and advanced engineering skills.
    • To date, the CAF has trained over 800 Ukrainian sappers.
  • Poland – M777 Maintenance Technical Training
    • Up to 5 CAF members providing maintenance and technical training on M777 third line maintenance to members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
  • United Kingdom – Recruit Training
    • Approximately 170 CAF personnel are deployed to the United Kingdom to train new Ukrainian military recruits in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Operation INTERFLEX.
    • To date, CAF personnel have trained approximately 2,500 recruits of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
    • Training has been extended until the end of 2023.
  • Latvia – Junior Officer Leadership Development Training
    • Approximately 12 CAF members are working with the Latvian National Armed Forces to deliver Junior Officer leadership development training.
    • To date, CAF personnel have trained over 100 junior Ukrainian military officers.

Details

  • In 2015, Canada launched Operation UNIFIER in response to requests from the government of Ukraine, with the intent to help Ukraine remain free, sovereign, secure, and stable.
  • The mission was most recently extended until March 2026.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces has been providing the Security Forces of Ukraine with specialized training in order to support their professionalization, help improve their capability and capacity, and assist them in their efforts to align with NATO standards and practices. In 2021, Operation UNIFIER saw the first ever Canadian female-to-female transfer of command authority.
  • Aspects of the mission were temporarily paused following the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine but have since resumed in third-country locations such as the United Kingdom, Latvia, and Poland.
  • The Defence Team also coordinates Canada’s efforts, as well as contributes to, the coordination of efforts in support of Ukraine between Allies and partners at the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U).
  • At the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the CAF has been bolstering Ukraine’s cyber defence capabilities since early 2022. This support includes the provision of 24/7 cyber security expertise, cyber threat intelligence, software tools and engineering solutions to the AFU to enable the better defence of its networks and other critical systems against malicious cyber activities. DND/CAF collaborates with partners across the federal government, industry, and our Allies, in accordance with Canadian and international laws, to provide this cyber assistance to Ukraine.
  • In November 2022, the US established the Security Assistance Group – Ukraine (SAG-U) to oversee and coordinate multinational short-term and long-term assistance to Ukraine, as well as to coordinate donations and training. Canada contributes 25 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members to the SAG-U, headquartered in Wiesbaden (Germany), including a Canadian Brigadier-General as the SAG-U Deputy Commanding General - Training.
  • All Canadian Armed Forces members who deploy on capacity building programs, including Operation UNIFIER, are trained to recognize symbols associated with right-wing extremism. If counterparts or trainees are suspected of holding racist views or belonging to right-wing extremist elements, including viewpoints that are contrary to Canadian values and ethics, they are removed immediately from the training course.

Communications Security Establishment (CSE) Contributions

  • CSE received funding for Op UNIFIER to provide specialized skills and expertise to support enhanced intelligence cooperation and cyber security.
  • On 17 March 2022, the Minister of National Defence signed 2 Ministerial Orders designating the electronic information and networks of Ukraine and Latvia as systems of importance (SOIs) to the Government of Canada. This was the first time a Minister has used their powers under the CSE Act to designate entities outside Canada as SOIs. The designations allow CSE to provide cyber security assistance to help protect the designated entities.
  • Telesat
  • In October 2022, the Minister of National Defence announced $2 million in funding to provide secure satellite communications services to Ukraine. This joint project between CAF/DND, CSE and the satellite operator Telesat came into effect on April 1, 2023, and will help Ukraine maintain continuity of services, including critical cyber systems.

Operation REASSURANCE (Latvia, Poland, Romania)

  • Canada remains strongly committed to NATO, and to reinforcing NATO’s Eastern Flank.
  • In fact, we have approximately 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel serving on Operation REASSURANCE – our largest international operation.
  • In July, we signed a Roadmap with Latvia for scaling the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group to a multi-national, combat capable brigade.
  • Canada continues to lead NATO forces in the region as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.
  • In June, we also announced that we would deploy a Canadian Army Tank Squadron of 15 Leopard 2 tanks to bolster the battle group in Latvia, along with supporting personnel and equipment.
  • The full arrival of the tanks, initial supporting personnel, and equipment is expected by fall 2023.
  • We also regularly contribute to NATO’s Standing Naval Forces, the Alliance’s core maritime capability, with regular deployments of either a Halifax Class Frigate or two Kingston Class Coastal Defence Vessels.
  • Since March 2022, the Canadian Armed Forces has provided three tactical airlift aircraft with personnel to support military aid donations within Europe.
  • To date, the detachment’s personnel have delivered over 11 million pounds of cargo, largely consisting of military aid in support of Ukraine.
  • We will continue to work with our NATO Allies to enhance collective security and to promote peace and stability around the world.

If pressed on when the Canadian-led brigade in Latvia will be created:

  • Since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, we have taken steps to augment the capabilities of the current enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia.
  • For example, this past January, the Canadian Armed Forces deployed the Brigade Forward Coordination Element to begin conducting interoperability exercises with Allied forces and ensure seamless integration of command-and-control systems.
  • This Forward Coordination Element is a first step towards leading a brigade-level formation in Latvia.
  • Canada will continue to make important contributions to global peace and stability alongside our NATO Allies.

If pressed on troops purchasing their own equipment in Latvia:

  • All members of the Canadian Armed Forces are provided with the required operational equipment, whether serving at home or abroad.
  • Per Canadian Armed Forces policy, the unauthorized procurement and use of weapons, personal protective equipment, and clothing is not allowed in any form.
  • As such, no Canadian Armed Forces member deployed to Latvia was forced to purchase their own equipment for safety or operational reasons.
  • Should a member buy their own equipment, it is based on their preference and is not due to shortages.

Key Facts

  • July 2023: The Latvian Minister of Defence and the Canadian Minister of National Defence signed a Roadmap for scaling the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group to a Brigade.
  • June 29, 2022: The Minister of National Defence signed a joint declaration with the Latvian Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence, to augment NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Latvia. Going forward, Canada will:
    • Continue to lead NATO forces as the Framework Nation of Latvia;
    • Work with Latvia and NATO Allies to generate and stage forces in order to surge to a combat capable brigade;
    • Establish and lead elements of a forward brigade command and control;
    • Be prepared to provide critical capabilities to operations, such as ammunition and explosives, air defence systems, and anti-tank weapons systems.
  • Enhanced Forward Presence Latvia: Canada is leading a ten-nation, multinational Battle Group.
  • Canada’s contribution to the Battle Group is comprised of command and control, a mechanized infantry company, an artillery battery, a combat support company, and a combat service support company.
  • Air Task Force – Prestwick: Canada contributes three CC‑130J Hercules aircraft and 60 personnel to ATF – Prestwick, which provides critical resupply within Europe on behalf of NATO.
  • Cyber Security Assistance: The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) provides cyber-security support to Latvia and Ukraine to help protect their networks.
  • Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Group One: HMCS Shawinigan and HMCS Summerside are currently deployed as part of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One.

Details

The enhanced Forward Presence (eFP)

  • Following Russia’s invasion of Crimea, NATO Allies agreed at the 2016 Summit in Warsaw to establish an enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in the eastern part of the Alliance, to strengthen deterrence measures. These Battle Groups form part of the biggest reinforcement of NATO’s collective defence in a generation.
  • Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s contribution to NATO’s deterrence and defence efforts, and it is Canada’s largest international military commitment, involving the deployment of land, sea, and air elements to Central and Eastern Europe in support of our Allies and the reinforcement of NATO’s Eastern Flank.
  • This forward presence was first deployed in 2017, with the creation of four multinational battalion-size Battle Groups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, led by the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and the United States respectively.
  • In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Allies reinforced the existing Battle Groups and agreed to establish four more multinational Battle Groups in Bulgaria (Italy), Hungary, Romania (France), and Slovakia (Czech Republic) to bolster the Eastern flank.
  • At the Madrid Summit in June 2022, NATO Leaders agreed to a new baseline for NATO’s Deterrence and Defence posture which included deploying additional, robust, in-place, and combat-ready forces on NATO’s Eastern Flank. These forces would be scaled up from the existing Battle Groups to brigade-size units – where and when required – and would be underpinned by credible and rapidly available reinforcements, prepositioned equipment, and enhanced command and control.

Battle Group Latvia

  • As the Framework Nation for eFP in Latvia, Canada is responsible for coordinating with Latvia and the contributing nations to help set the tone, pace, and vision for this Battle Group, and for providing support that better allows the multinational eFP to come together and integrate as a single entity.The eFP Battle Group works within the Latvian Armed Forces’ infantry brigade, conducting joint training to be able to respond effectively to an attack, and remains a tangible reminder that an attack against one NATO member is an attack against all members.
  • Canada has also committed a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) general officer and eight staff officers to Multinational Division North, NATO’s Divisional Headquarters supporting the eFP Battle Group.
  • On June 29, 2022, the Minister of National Defence signed a joint declaration with the Latvian Minister for Defence, to augment NATO’s eFP Latvia to a multinational brigade.
  • In July 2023, the Latvian Minister of Defence and the Canadian Minister of National Defence signed a Roadmap for scaling up the eFP Battle Group to a Brigade.

eFP - Tanks

  • In June of 2023, the Government of Canada announced that it will deploy a Canadian Army Tank Squadron of 15 Leopard 2 tanks to bolster the eFP Battle Group in Latvia, along with supporting personnel and equipment.
  • This deployment, as part of Operation REASSURANCE, is set to take place over the coming months, with the full arrival of the tanks, initial supporting personnel, and equipment expected by Fall 2023.
  • The full complement of approximately 130 personnel should be in place by spring 2024.

Maritime Task Force

  • Since 2014, the CAF has deployed a warship on a persistent, rotational basis to be employed for exercises and operational tasks in the NATO Maritime Command’s areas of responsibility.
  • Currently, HMCS Shawinigan and HMCS Summerside are deployed to support Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Group One, operating in the Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea.

Air Task Force – Prestwick

  • Since March 2022, the CAF has provided tactical airlift aircraft and a team of support personnel to support military aid donations within Europe.
  • The Air Mobility Detachment is comprised of three CC-130J Hercules aircraft and approximately 60 CAF personnel, who are responsible for maintenance, cargo movements, and administration.

NATO Funding

  • Canada is unwavering in its commitment to the NATO Alliance, to the defence of Euro-Atlantic security, and to the rules-based international order.
  • This commitment is reflected in a variety of ways, including through defence investments and support to key international operations.
  • For example, we are forecasted to spend $39.3B on defence in 2023, an increase of 16% in dollar terms from 2022.
  • Defence spending is also expected to increase over 70% from 2016-17 to 2026-27.
  • We are procuring a new fleet of 88 F-35 fighter jets—the largest investment into the RCAF in 30 years valued at $19 billion—and investing $38.6 billion to modernize our NORAD capabilities. 
  • We are also leading the establishment of the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence in Montreal.
  • Further, we are making important contributions to global peace and stability alongside our NATO Allies, as we are doing in Latvia and Ukraine.

Key Facts

Defence Spending

  • Fiscal Year 2022-23: Canada’s estimated defence spending was 1.22% of its GDP and 11.5% of its defence spending on major equipment.
  • Furthermore, in 2023-24, Canada defence spending is estimated at 1.38% of its GDP and 24.5% on major equipment.
  • Canada is the 6th largest contributor to NATO’s common funded budget.

National Defence’s Budget Increases

  • Spending on major equipment expected to triple between 2020 and 2026.

Details

NATO Common Funding Contributions:

  • Canada’s share of NATO’s common funding is now approximately 6.8% (90% from National Defence and 10% from Global Affairs Canada).
  • National Defence’s contribution to NATO’s military Budget is $163.3M. This contribution will support:
    • International Military Staff;
    • NATO’s Command Structure, made up of bases and facilities across Europe and in the United States;
    • NATO’s key air fleets: NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), and Allied Ground Surveillance (AGS); and
    • NATO operations and missions which include Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployments under Operation IMPACT (NATO Mission Iraq) and Operation KOBOLD (NATO Kosovo Force).
    • Contribution to NATO Security Investment Program: $56.6M. This will support:
    • The capital costs for communications and information systems, installations and facilities such as radar, military headquarters, airfields, fuel pipelines and storage, harbours, and navigational aids to support the NATO military structure and activities, including deployed operations and missions.
  • National Defence’s contribution to NATO Security Investment Program is $56.6M. This includes:
    • The capital costs for communications and information systems, installations and facilities such as radar, military headquarters, airfields, fuel pipelines and storage, harbours, and navigational aids to support the NATO military structure and activities, including deployed operations and missions.
  • National Defence’s contribution to other NATO activities is $4.2M. This will support:
    • NATO Centres of Excellence;
    • NATO Naval Forces Sensor and Weapons Accuracy Check Sites;
    • NATO Rapidly Deployable Corps Headquarters; and
    • NATO Production and Logistics Organizations (NPLOs).

Budget 2022

  • To reinforce Canada’s national defence, announcements in Budget 2022 provided a total of $8B (on a cash basis) in funding over five years—on top of planned increases associated with Strong, Secure, Engaged, which will:
    • Strengthen Canada’s contributions to our core alliances;
    • Bolster the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces;
    • Continue to support culture change and a safe and healthy working environment in the Canadian Armed Forces; and,
    • Reinforce Canada’s cyber security.
  • This $8B includes and increase to the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces, Budget 2022 proposes to provide $6.1B on an accrual basis ($7.4B cash) over five years, starting in 2022-23, in order to meet our defence priorities, including:
    • Ensuring our continental defence through NORAD modernization;
    • Fulfilling commitments to our allies; and,
    • Investing in equipment and technology to immediately increase the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Budget 2021

  • Through Budget 2021, the Government announced $847M over five years to maintain Canada’s military at a higher state of readiness under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Readiness Initiative, and to increase Canada’s contributions to NATO’s common budget and military activities.

NATO Hubs:

  • Budget 2023 allocated $30.1 million over four years, and $10.4 million ongoing to establish the new North American regional office in Halifax for NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
  • Budget 2023 proposes to provide $40.4 million over five years, with $0.3 million in remaining amortization and $7 million ongoing, to Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence to establish the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence.

NATO Centre of Excellence on Climate and Security (CCASCOE):

  • At the June 2021 NATO Summit, the Prime Minister announced Canada’s proposal to establish and host a CCASCOE as its Framework Nation. In June 2022, Canada announced that Montréal will be the host city for the NATO CCASCOE.
  • This Centre of Excellence will be a platform for both military and civilians to develop, enhance, and share knowledge on climate change security impacts. It will also allow them to work together to build required capabilities, develop best practices, and contribute to NATO’s goal of reducing the climate impact of military activities.

Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA):

  • At the NATO Summit in Madrid, in June 2022, the Prime Minister announced Canada’s intention to host NATO’s North American Regional Office of the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). The proposed location of the Regional Office, in the Halifax area, was announced in November 2022. 
  • DIANA aims to facilitate cooperation between civilian innovators, government scientists, and military operators to accelerate, test, and evaluate early-stage technologies, while also protecting technological solutions against threat activity.
  • DIANA will concentrate on new emerging and disruptive technologies that NATO has identified as priorities including artificial intelligence, big-data processing, quantum-enabled technologies, autonomy, biotechnology, novel materials, and space.

Canadian Support to NATO Operations

  • Operation REASSURANCE: Approximately 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel serve on Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s largest international operation. Canada has also placed approximately 3,400 personnel at a higher state of readiness should these forces be required.
  • Operation IMPACT: Approximately 350 CAF personnel are deployed; 21 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to NATO Mission Iraq to support training and capacity building of the Iraqi military.
  • Operation KOBOLD: 5 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to support NATO’s Kosovo Force, a NATO-led peace-support operation.

Indo-Pacific Strategy

Includes Operation HORIZON and Operation NEON

  • Canada is committed to a meaningful and persistent military presence in the Indo-Pacific to promote regional peace and security.
  • This includes $369.4 million to increase our naval presence in the region — building on our commitments through Operations NEON and HORIZON.
  • Canada plays an active role in the Indo-Pacific through Op NEON, which is our contribution to a coordinated multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea.
  • Op HORIZON is a new operation that will strengthen relationships with regional partners through the annual deployment of an additional warship to the region and increased Canadian participation in international exercises.
  • We are also investing $48.7 million to increase Canadian Armed Forces participation in combined exercises with regional partners and allies.
  • Additionally, we are investing $68.2 million to launch a new Canadian-led military security cooperation program, through which the Canadian Armed Forces will offer mentorship and expertise to partners in the Indo-Pacific.
  • We are also launching new initiatives to bolster military-to-military cyber cooperation and provide cyber capacity development to regional partners.
  • Canada will continue working with its allies and partners to help ensure regional stability and support the rules-based international order.

If pressed on Canada-India Defence Relations:

  • Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is enabling us to increase our defence presence in the region, allowing for more engagement, cooperation, and collaboration.
  • As we work to implement this strategy, our focus includes increased security cooperation with partners, enhanced engagement through regional training, exercises, and multilateral events.
  • Our defence relationship with India is mainly based on multinational exercises and Defence Engagements in which India also participates.
  • We will continue to work with our colleagues at GAC to assess the current situation.

If pressed on transits:

  • Transits are conducted in full accordance with international law.
  • The safety of our sailors is paramount.
  • Any interactions during this latest transit have been both safe and professional.
  • By deploying our ships to this region, we continue to reaffirm our commitment to Indo-Pacific.

If pressed on deploying an additional frigate (Op HORIZON):

  • The Canadian Armed Forces will bolster its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific by increasing the number of warships deployed annually to the Indo-Pacific from two to three.
  • In fact, on August 14, 2023, HMCS Ottawa and Vancouver, along with MV Asterix, departed for the Indo-Pacific.
  • While deployed, these ships will conduct training, exercises, and engagements with several Indo-Pacific partner navies.
  • Operation HORIZON replaces the Indo-Pacific portion of Operation PROJECTION and expands the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) presence in the region beyond the traditional naval focus to include air and land forces as well as other CAF elements.
  • Op HORIZON will increase opportunities for the Canadian Armed Forces to work side-by-side with allies and partners, empowering Canada to play a more active role in contributing to Indo-Pacific security.

If pressed on PLAAF “buzzing” of RCAF

  • On several occasions during Op NEON, there have been interactions between China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and Canada’s CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft.
  • Canada has been clear in its expectation that any intercepts be conducted in a safe and professional manner and refrain from impeding lawful operations in international airspace.
  • When interactions with PLAAF aircraft occur and put the safety of our personnel at risk, these occurrences are immediately addressed through diplomatic channels.

Key Facts

  • Global Affairs Canada is the lead on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which was released on November 27, 2022. The Strategy will address five interconnected priorities for Canada:
    • Promote peace, resilience and security – National Defence focus;
    • Expand trade, investment and supply chain resilience;
    • Invest in and connect people;
    • Build a sustainable and green future; and
    • Ensure Canada is an active and engaged partner to the Indo-Pacific.
  • CAF Operations in the Indo-Pacific:
    • August 2023: HMCS Ottawa and Vancouver, along with MV Asterix, deployed to the Indo-Pacific region in support of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy on August 14, 2023. HMCS Ottawa will focus on Southeast Asia, while HMCS Vancouver will focus on Northeast Asia.
    • Spring 2023: A CP-140 Aurora was deployed on Op NEON.
    • March 2023: HMCS Montreal and MV Asterix departed Halifax on March 26, 2023, to conduct forward naval presence operations in the region as well as conduct cooperative deployments and participate in international naval exercises with partner nations.
    • Fall 2023: Another CP-140 Aurora, as well as HMCS Vancouver, will deploy in support of Op NEON.

Details

Indo-Pacific Strategy

  • Global Affairs Canada is the lead on the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which was announced on November 27, 2022.
  • Through the Indo-Pacific Strategy, National Defence is investing in the following initiatives to support the defence and security in the region over the next five years, including:
    • $369.4 million dollars to enhance our naval presence in the region and increase the number of warships deployed annually, from two to three;
    • $48.7 million dollars to increase the CAF’s participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises with regional allies and partners by including air and land forces along with consistent naval deployments;
    • $6.5M to establish four new full-time civilian positions across the region to enhance Canada’s regional understanding and deepen relationships with allies and partners; and
    • $68.2 million to launch a new Canadian-led military security cooperation program, offering mentorship and expertise by delivering training directly to partner forces in the region. Of this amount, $7.6 million is earmarked for Women, Peace, and Security programming in Southeast Asia.
  • Defence will also play a key role in the whole-of-government cyber initiative of the Indo-Pacific Strategy ($2.6M) by bolstering military-to-military cyber cooperation and sharing information and lessons learned with select partners in the region.

Operation PROJECTION and Operation HORIZON

  • Strong, Secure, Engaged commits Canada to be a reliable player in the Indo-Pacific through consistent engagement and strong partnerships.
  • Since 2017, the Royal Canadian Navy has achieved a consistent presence in the Indo-Pacific under Op PROJECTION.
  • Canadian warships regularly deploy to work with our allies and like-minded partners, including by conducting combined transits and exercises under Op PROJECTION.
  • 2023 marks the first year that Canada is deploying three warships to the Indo-Pacific, delivering on the commitment that Canada made when it launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy in fall 2022.
  • Op HORIZON will replace Op PROJECTION (Indo-Pacific) in late 2023.
  • Op HORIZON will see the annual deployment of an additional warship to the region, increased Canadian participation in regional multilateral exercises, and strengthened relationships with regional partners through increased security cooperation.

Operation NEON

  • Launched in 2019, Op NEON is Canada’s contribution to a coordinated multinational effort to monitor UN Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea. These sanctions, imposed between 2006 and 2017, aim to pressure North Korea to abandon its weapons of mass destruction programs and respond to North Korean nuclear weapon tests and ballistic missile launches.
  • Op NEON sees military ships, aircraft and personnel deployed to conduct surveillance operations to identify maritime sanctions evasion activities, in particular ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and other commodities banned by the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
  • Canada conducts these activities as part of a broader multinational initiative alongside partners in the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange (PSMX), which brings together Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States to disrupt North Korea’s illicit smuggling activities.
  • As part of Operation NEON, the CAF deploys an RCN Halifax-class frigate with a RCAF CH-148 Cyclone helicopter detachment, as well as a RCAF CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft with crew and supporting personnel on a rotational basis.
  • In March 2023, the Government of Canada announced the renewal of Op NEON until April 30, 2026.

RIMPAC

  • From June 29 to August 4, 2022, HMCS Winnipeg and HMCS Vancouver, (each with embarked CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters), and two CP-140 Aurora long range patrol aircraft, participated in RIMPAC, the world’s largest naval exercise.

TALISMAN SABRE

  • From July 22 to August 4, HMCS Montreal participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre, a combined and joint international exercise co-hosted by Australia and the United States. 

Recent Indo-Pacific Operational Highlights

  • HMCS Ottawa and Vancouver, along with MV Asterix, deployed to the Indo-Pacific on August 14, 2023. HMCS Ottawa will focus on Southeast Asia, while HMCS Vancouver will focus on Northeast Asia.
  • On March 26, 2023, HMCS Montreal deployed to the Indo-Pacific from Halifax; the first ship to do so from the East Coast.
  • HMCS Montreal operated extensively in Southeast and Northeast Asia and contributed to multinational efforts to monitor United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed on North Korea.
  • HMCS Montreal transited the Taiwan Strait with the US destroyer Chung-Hoon on June 3, 2023, in support of the freedom of navigation and to protect and preserve international law and the rules-based international order.

Examples of Collaboration with Five Eyes

  • HYPERSONICS: In Valcartier, Quebec, researchers from Defence Research and Development Canada are working with their Five Eyes partners on developing advanced capabilities to detect and deter hypersonic missiles, working on new sensor arrays and technologies to track and monitor missile launches and their trajectories.
  • SUB-SURFACE: In Halifax, right in the middle of the Bedford Basin, our defence scientists are working with Five Eyes partners on sub-surface domain awareness in saltwater environments, with cutting edge technology and massive Canadian value-added with our experience in Arctic environments.

Interactions with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force Aircraft

  • On several occasions, interactions have occurred between our CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft and aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force during UN-sanctioned missions.
  • The safety of Canadian Armed Forces members is of the highest priority in all operations.
  • Canada has been clear in its expectation that all intercepts should be conducted in a safe and professional manner and refrain from impeding lawful operations in international airspace.

AUKUS

  • We remain actively engaged with Australia, the UK, and the US on emerging technology issues through several individual forums and working groups including on cyber, space operations, and intelligence.
  • In fact, Canada has a wide and deep expertise in these fields, and we recently announced that Canada will host NATO’s Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
  • Canada will continue to work with NATO and Five Eyes partners, including AUKUS partners, in key research areas of artificial intelligence, quantum, electronic warfare, counter-hypersonics, and undersea capabilities.
  • Aside from this, we are already investing $369.4 million to increase our naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region and will launch a Canadian-led military security cooperation program with regional partners.

Key Facts

  • Australia, the US, and UK unveiled a landmark security partnership (entitled AUKUS) in 2021 to advance their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific through two related lines of effort:
    1. providing Australia with nuclear powered submarines; and
    2. developing and fielding joint advanced military capabilities.
  • Under this second pillar (Pillar II), the three nations are focused on eight advanced capabilities: undersea capabilities, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and autonomy, advanced cyber capabilities, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities, electronic warfare, innovation, and information sharing.
  • In 2022, the White House indicated that as trilateral lines of effort mature, AUKUS will seek to engage capable allies and close partners on AUKUS Pillar II areas.

Details

AUKUS

  • Canada remains actively engaged with Australia, the UK, and the US on emerging technology issues through several individual forums and working groups including on cyber, space operations, and intelligence.
  • Canada also works directly with the US on modernizing NORAD, including through developing new advanced over-the-horizon radar technology.
  • Canada has a wide and deep expertise in these fields, particularly through world-class academia (e.g. Universities of Toronto, Montreal, Waterloo), advanced industry capabilities in quantum technologies, cyber, and space robotics, and a growing domestic ecosystem for defence innovation.
  • For example, Canada announced that it will host NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
    • This Accelerator will work with test centres across Canada to help build capacity in key research and innovation fields that are relevant to the NATO alliance and Canada’s security.
  • Canada will continue to work with NATO and Five Eyes partners, including AUKUS partners, in key research areas of artificial intelligence, quantum, electronic warfare, counter-hypersonics, and undersea capabilities.
  • Canada has signed or is a part of over 120 different bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements related to information sharing and collaboration.

Examples of Collaboration with Five Eyes

  • HYPERSONICS: In Valcartier, Quebec, researchers from Defence Research and Development Canada are working with their Five Eyes partners on developing advanced capabilities to detect and deter hypersonic missiles, working on new sensor arrays and technologies to track and monitor missile launches and their trajectories.
  • SUB-SURFACE: In Halifax, right in the middle of the Bedford Basin, our defence scientists are working with Five Eyes partners on sub-surface domain awareness in saltwater environments, with cutting edge technology and massive Canadian value-added with our experience in Arctic environments.

NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA)

  • Budget 2023 allocated $30.1 million over four years, and $10.4 million ongoing to establish the new North American regional office in Halifax for NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
    • At the NATO Summit in Madrid, in June 2022, the Prime Minister announced Canada’s intention to host NATO’s North American Regional Office of the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). The proposed location of the Regional Office, in the Halifax area, was announced in November 2022. 
    • DIANA aims to facilitate cooperation between civilian innovators, government scientists, and military operators to accelerate, test, and evaluate early-stage technologies, while also protecting technological solutions against threat activity.
    • DIANA will concentrate on new emerging and disruptive technologies that NATO has identified as priorities including artificial intelligence, big-data processing, quantum-enabled technologies, autonomy, biotechnology, novel materials, and space.

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