International Security

Indo-Pacific Strategy

Includes Operation HORIZON and Operation NEON

  • Canada plays an active role in the Indo-Pacific and is building on our commitments through Operations HORIZON and NEON.
  • Op NEON is our contribution to a coordinated multinational effort to monitor 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.
  • Canada is committed to demonstrating 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.
  • 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, capability, 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 deploying an additional frigate (Op HORIZON):

  • The Canadian Armed Forces is bolstering its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific by increasing the number of warships deployed annually to the Indo-Pacific from two to three.
  • On August 14, 2023, HMCS Ottawa and Vancouver, along with MV Asterix, departed for the Indo-Pacific.
  • While deployed, these ships are conducting training, exercises, and engagements with several Indo-Pacific partner navies.
  • Operation HORIZON replaced 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 peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.

If pressed on Chinese intercepts:

  • On several occasions during Op NEON, there have been interactions between China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Canada’s CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft.
  • Additionally, during Op HORIZON, HMCS Ottawa’s embarked CH-148 Cyclone Helicopter was intercepted by the PLA in a manner that was deemed unsafe and unprofessional.
  • 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 PLA aircraft occur and put the safety of our personnel at risk, these occurrences are addressed through military and diplomatic channels.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces will continue to contribute to a more secure and stable Indo-Pacific, including through the deployment of Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft in the region.

If pressed on Taiwan Strait transits:

  • Transits are conducted in full accordance with international law.
  • The safety of our sailors is paramount.
  • On 1 November, HMCS Ottawa transited the Taiwan Strait alongside the USS Rafael Peralta. Any interactions during this transit were safe and professional.
  • By deploying our ships to this region, we continue to reaffirm our commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

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.
  • Canada seeks to maintain routine engagement and regular dialogue with Indian officials, including in multilateral settings.
  • We will continue to work with our colleagues at GAC to assess the current situation.

Key Facts

  • Global Affairs Canada is the lead on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which was released on November 27, 2022. The Strategy addresses 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:
      • Fall 2023: A second CP-140 Aurora, as well as HMCS Vancouver, deployed in support of Op NEON.
      • 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 focussed on Southeast Asia, while HMCS Vancouver focussed 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 embark on forward naval presence operations in the region, conduct cooperative deployments with regional naval forces, and participate in international maritime exercises with partner nations.

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.
  • Budget 2023 announced $29.7M over five years for the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) to increase Canada’s foreign intelligence support to government partners in defence and security in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, CSE’s Cyber Centre will expand its delivery of cyber security advice and guidance to partners and stakeholders in the region.

Operation PROJECTION and Operation HORIZON

  • Canada’s Defence Policy: 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 near consistent presence in the Indo-Pacific under Op PROJECTION.
  • Canadian warships regularly deployed to the region 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 deployed 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 replaced Op PROJECTION (Indo-Pacific) in late 2023.
  • Op HORIZON will see the annual deployment of an additional warship to the region, increased and diversified Canadian participation in regional multilateral exercises, and strengthened relationships with regional partners through expanded 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, Italy, 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 an 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.

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

  • 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 rights to freedom of navigation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and to protect and preserve international law and the rules-based international order.
  • HMCS Ottawa and Vancouver, along with MV Asterix, deployed to the Indo-Pacific on August 14, 2023. HMCS Ottawa focused on Southeast Asia, while HMCS Vancouver focused on Northeast Asia (including in support of Op NEON).

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 Aircraft

  • On several occasions, interactions have occurred between our CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft and aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army during UNSC-sanction monitoring 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.
  • On October 29, 2023, while deployed in support of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, HMCS Ottawa’s embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter was conducting routine exercises in the South China Sea, when it was intercepted by the People’s Liberation Army. Though the initial encounter was safe, two subsequent encounters were deemed unsafe.

AUKUS

  • Canada remains fundamentally aligned with Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States on technological and strategic issues.
  • Canada is actively engaged with defence partners on the research and development of advanced capabilities, including those that involve autonomy and AI, underseas capabilities, and quantum technologies.
  • We are making targeted investments across these areas, both as part of our NORAD modernization efforts, and in support of Five Eyes and NATO efforts.
  • In addition, we are also taking steps to ensure that we move forward at the same pace as close allies and partners in the same development and use of advance 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.

If pressed on collaboration with AUKUS members:

  • Canada already collaborates closely with Australia, the UK, and the US to improve deterrence, enhance resilience, and optimize space operations.
  • For example, Canada participates in the US-led Operation OLYMPIC DEFENDER with Australia and the UK to improve deterrence and the sharing of space assets.  
  • Canada also cooperates closely with Australia, the UK and the US on the development of capabilities, interoperability standards and joint experimentation in the maritime domain.
  • This includes cooperation on long-range autonomous underwater systems, a niche area for defence research and Canadian industry.

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.
  • SPACE DOMAIN: Canada is one of the founding members of the Combined Space Operations (CSpO) initiative, and participates in the US-led Operation OLYMPIC DEFENDER with Australia and the United Kingdom to improve deterrence, enhance resilience, and optimize space operations and sharing of space assets among participating nations.
  • Canada’s first dedicated military space surveillance satellite, Sapphire, is the only non-US space-based contributor to the Space Surveillance Network. Additionally, Canada’s Surveillance of Space 2 project will deliver three ground-based optical sensors in 2026 and a space-based sensor by 2031 which will help strengthen our bilateral collaboration with the US in the space domain.
  • MARITIME DOMAIN: Canada cooperates closely with Australia, the UK and the US on the development of capabilities, interoperability standards and joint experimentation in the maritime domain. This includes long range autonomous underwater systems, a niche area for defence research and Canadian industry.
  • The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is fully engaged in coordination with our Five Eyes partners including through Navy-to-Navy staff talks that look at how to enhance critical capabilities, force design and interoperability.

Operations LUMEN and ION

  • The Canadian Armed Forces are always prepared to respond to requests for assistance from the Government of Canada.
  • For example, under Operation ION, the Canadian Armed Forces helped evacuate over 1,650 individuals from Israel and continue to monitor the situation with Global Affairs Canada.
  • Through Operation LUMEN, our members are prepared to support evacuation efforts from Lebanon, if necessary.
  • As commercial options for travellers are still available, the Government of Canada is not currently offering assisted departures for Canadians, permanent residents, and their families.
  • In the event that assisted departures are necessary, there are Canadian Armed Forces personnel prepared to support this effort.
  • We have assets deployed to ensure a timely response to any potential government-assisted departure request.
  • We encourage Canadians to leave while commercial options are available.
  • In addition, the Canadian Armed Forces have provided planning assistance to Cairo to aid in the evacuation of Canadian eligible persons from Gaza through Egypt.

If pressed on JTF2 presence in Israel:

  • In support of Global Affairs Canada, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command personnel are assisting the Canadian embassy in Israel with contingency planning, under Operation ION.
  • We remain in continuous contact with allies and partners around the world to maintain awareness of potential defence threats to Canadians and Canadian interests.

Key Facts

  • The last scheduled departure flight under Op ION took place on 23 October.
  • There are currently more than 18,000 Canadians registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad in Lebanon.
    • Global Affairs Canada (GAC) continues to respond to inquiries from Canadians regarding any need for consular assistance.
  • In the event that CAF assistance is required, a Task Force Headquarters based in Cyprus has been stood up, from which CAF planners and liaison staff continue to work in close cooperation with allies and their GAC counterparts.
  • As of November 24, 2023, there are approximately 380 CAF personnel deployed in support of this effort, under Operation LUMEN.

Details

Evacuation Notifications

  • Information for assisted departures or evacuations will be passed by GAC when available. We encourage all Canadians in the affected region to constantly consult our updated Travel Advice and Advisories and to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad Service.
  • Canadians in need of assistance can contact the department’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling +1 613-996-8885, by text message at +1 613-686-3658, by WhatsApp at +1-613-909-8881, by Telegram at “Canada Emergency Abroad”, by Signal at +1-613-909-8087, or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.

Canadian Armed Forces Readiness

  • In the event that CAF assistance is required, a Task Force Headquarters based in Cyprus has been stood up, from which CAF planners and liaison staff continue to work in close cooperation with their GAC counterparts to ensure the continued safety of Canadians in the region.
  • As of November 16, 2023, there are over 400 CAF personnel deployed in support of this effort in addition to personnel from GAC, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). 
  • The CAF are well-connected in the region and are working closely with our allies and partners who have also forward deployed personnel. The CAF is integrated into the multinational Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations Coordination Centre (NEOCC) in Cyprus, where they are working with our allies and partners in order to be poised to respond in a coordinated fashion should the security situation continue to deteriorate.
  • Additional assets may be deployed or redirected as contingency plans are refined.

CAF Operations in the Region

  • CAF personnel are currently deployed to the region under five named operations:
    • Operation PROTEUS – There are approximately 25 Canadians, including CAF members and civilians, deployed to Operation PROTEUS, supporting security assistance to the Palestinian Authority through the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) for Israel and the Palestinian Authority. USSC has instructed all personnel contributing to the mission to temporarily suspend all operations. 
    • Operation JADE – There are approximately two CAF personnel deployed to Operation JADE, the CAF’s contribution to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, which monitors compliance with respect to both the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
    • Operation CALUMET – There are approximately 35 CAF personnel deployed to Operation CALUMET, Canada’s contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers mission to implement the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace in the Sinai.
    • Operation ION & LUMEN - There are over 400 CAF personnel deployed in support of Op ION, the CAF’s operation to support GAC with the transportation of Canadian Entitled Persons and Foreign Nationals from Israel, as well as Op LUMEN, the CAF’s assistance to broader Government of Canada efforts in the region. Two CC-150 Polaris aircraft were initially committed to Op ION, conducting daily assisted departure flights from Tel Aviv, Israel to Athens, Greece between 12-23 October 2023.
  • All CAF members in the region remain safe and accounted for.

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