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Timelines: High-Altitude Objects

  • National Defence is committed to acting decisively to defend Canada, protect Canadian interests and values, and contribute to global stability.
  • In recent weeks, we have worked closely with our US partners, including through NORAD, to promptly respond to China’s high-altitude surveillance balloon, as well as the three subsequent air security incidents.

Air Security Incident (12 Feb) – US Airspace (Lake Huron)

  • On February 12, NORAD launched Canadian and US fighter aircraft to identify and investigate a high-altitude object over Lake Huron.
  • The object was visually identified using fighter aircraft assigned to NORAD.
  • Aircraft under the command authority of United States Northern Command took down the object.
  • The object fell down in US territory, in very close proximity to the maritime Canada-US border.

Air Security Incident (11 Feb) – Canadian Airspace (Central Yukon)

  • On February 11, at the direction of the Prime Minister and with concurrence of the US President, aircraft assigned to NORAD successfully downed a high-altitude object over Central Yukon.
  • The object was downed approximately 100 miles from the Canada-US border inside Canadian airspace.
  • It was flying at an altitude of 39,000 feet and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flight.
  • NORAD launched Canadian and US fighter aircraft to identify and investigate the object, and air-to-air refuelling aircraft and a Canadian CP-140 with air-to-ground sensors also supported the event.

Air Security Incident (10 Feb) – US Airspace (Northern Alaska)

  • On February 10, the Alaska NORAD Region detected a high-altitude object, just off the Alaskan Northern Coast.
  • Canada – in collaboration with the US, including through NORAD – tracked the situation, and the object did not fly into Canadian airspace.
  • NORAD launched aircraft to identify and investigate the object, which the command authority of United States Northern Command ultimately took down.

China’s High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon (04 Feb)

  • On February 2, National Defence and the US Department of Defense announced that a high-altitude surveillance balloon had been detected, and was being actively tracked, by NORAD.  
  • On February 4, the US took decisive action to bring down the balloon, which violated US and Canadian airspace and international law.
  • US aircraft under the command authority of United States Northern Command took down the object.
  • We continue to work closely with our US partners to protect North American airspace, including through NORAD and its binational mission set and cross-border operations as required.
  • In addition, Canada’s national security community continues to work with their partners in the US to take all necessary measures to safeguard Canada from foreign intelligence threats.

Overview: High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon

*For lines on NORAD modernization.

  • Following the detection of a high-altitude surveillance balloon from China in violation of Canadian and US airspace, we worked closely with our departmental and agency partners, as well as our American counterparts, to track and assess this object.
  • Based on an initial threat assessment, we determined that the balloon did not pose an imminent threat to Canadians.
  • I will also assure that you that it did not fly over any Canadian Armed Forces infrastructure of significance.
  • We then took steps to further analyze the object in collaboration with the United States and within NORAD.
  • The US also assessed the balloon while it travelled through US airspace.
  • With Canada’s full support, the US took decisive action to bring down the balloon.
  • In terms of next steps, the US is analyzing the balloon’s wreckage and we will closely collaborate with them on developing the threat assessment.
  • As we do with all security matters pertaining to North America, Canada will continue to closely collaborate with the US, within NORAD, and with other partners.
  • In fact, NORAD works every day to improve domain awareness by integrating and reviewing intelligence and sensor data.
  • This bi-national mechanism is fundamental to our security and that is why we are investing $38.6 billion over twenty years to modernize our contribution to NORAD.
  • This marks the most significant upgrade to Canada’s NORAD capabilities in nearly four decades.
  • Ultimately, NORAD modernization efforts and investments, in both Canada and the US, will help to address domain awareness gaps.

If pressed on whether the balloon flew through “radar gaps” or whether planned investments will help address future incidents:

  • Canada, including through NORAD, employs a wide range of capabilities to detect, track, and characterize airborne threats.
  • NORAD successfully detected and tracked the balloon, although it tried to evade radar detection as it did not communicate its position via sanctioned International Civil Aviation Organization standards and regulations.
  • There are many factors that affect whether an object can be detected and continuously tracked by radar, including altitude, speed, material of the object, and weather.
  • Canada’s plan to modernize our NORAD capabilities, supported by an investment of $38.6 billion over twenty years, will enhance our situational awareness and response capabilities across our sovereign airspace.
  • Notably, this will include next-generation Over-the-Horizon Radar systems; upgrades to command, control and communications capabilities; additional and longer-range air-to-air missiles; and more robust infrastructure to support air operations across the country. 

If pressed on Chinese buoys in Canadian Arctic waters:

  • National Defence is fully aware of recent efforts by China to conduct surveillance operations in Canadian airspace and maritime approaches utilizing dual purpose technologies.
  • Under Operation LIMPID, the Canadian Armed Forces monitors Canada’s air, land and sea approaches, and, since 2022, it has stopped attempts to surveil Canadian territory. 
  • We are continuing to take all appropriate measures with relevant partners and agencies to safeguard Canadian sovereignty and are working with NORAD to protect continental security.

Key Facts

High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon

  • February 2, 2023: National Defence and the US Department of Defense announced that a high-altitude surveillance balloon had been detected, and was being actively tracked, by NORAD.  
  • February 4, 2023: the US took decisive action to bring down China’s high-altitude surveillance balloon, which violated US and Canadian airspace and international law.
  • Following the identification of the high-altitude surveillance balloon, NORAD adjusted its standard operating procedures. This adjustment provided NORAD with better fidelity to see smaller and/or slower objects at various altitudes.
  • These types of objects have low radar signatures, which make it difficult for them to be detected and tracked on radar; challenging to locate with airborne assets; and difficult to categorize.

Details

NORAD Modernization

  • Canada is investing $38.6 billion over twenty years to modernize our contribution to NORAD. This marks the most significant upgrade to Canada’s NORAD capabilities in nearly four decades.
  • NORAD modernization investments are focused on five key areas:
    • Enhancing surveillance and threat detection;
    • Improving command, control, and communications;
    • Modernizing air weapons systems;
    • Upgrading our infrastructure and support capabilities; and
    • Investing in research and development.

Operation LIMPID

  • Operation LIMPID is the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) mission to detect threats to Canada’s security as early as possible. The CAF keeps a routine watch over Canada’s air, maritime, land, and aerospace domains. It also maintains a physical presence in some areas. 
  • Each of Canada’s regions has a distinct geography and environment. As a result, Operation LIMPID makes use of CAF task forces and agreements that are already in place in each area.
  • The following CAF services and groups support Operation LIMPID:
    • Sea: The Royal Canadian Navy provides maritime domain awareness.
    • Air: The Royal Canadian Air Force provides aerospace domain awareness in coordination with the Canadian NORAD Region.
    • Land: The Canadian Joint Operations Command’s Regional Joint Task Forces provide land domain awareness. They coordinate with Provincial emergency services. The Canadian Rangers also provide support.
    • Space: The Canadian Space Operations Centre coordinates space domain awareness data.
    • Cyber: The Canadian Forces Network Operations Centre coordinates cyber domain awareness.
  • Joint Task Force North (JTFN) leads CAF operations in the North. This region includes:
    • Yukon;
    • Northwest Territories; and
    • Nunavut.
  • JTFN’s surveillance area for maritime operations extends to the North along Greenland’s territorial borders. It reaches north to the pole. In the west, it extends to the border of Yukon and Alaska.
  • JTFN’s total surveillance area covers nearly 8.8 million square kilometres.

NORAD Authorities and Operations

  • We remain committed to ensuring the safety of Canadians and the security of Canadian airspace.
  • As a binational command, NORAD is equally responsible to, and staffed by officials from, Canada and the US as it fulfills its missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning.
  • NORAD is charged with detecting, deterring, and if necessary, defeating air domain threats to Canada and the US, in accordance with the NORAD Agreement and direction from both governments.
  • In fact, NORAD has played a key role in responding to recent incidents, including taking down the high-altitude object over Central Yukon.
  • Through outstanding binational cooperation, NORAD continues to evolve to address emerging threats, and plays an important role in the defence of North America.
  • We continue to work closely with our US partners to protect North American airspace, including through NORAD, its binational mission set, and cross-border operations as required.

If pressed on why US aircraft downed high-altitude objects in Canadian airspace:

  • NORAD is a binational command, which employs assets from Canada and the US to accomplish its missions of aerospace warning and control.
  • On February 11, at the direction of the Prime Minister and with concurrence of the US President, US aircraft under the command authority of NORAD took down a high-altitude airborne object over Central Yukon.
  • During this mission, both Canadian and American aircraft assigned to NORAD received the same direction to down the object as soon as possible.

 

If pressed on whether Canadian fighters could have engaged the object:

  • CAF aircraft were equipped with the appropriate capabilities to address this scenario, and were prepared to engage the object as required.
  • Planned acquisition of the F-35 fighter aircraft and newer air-to-air missiles will provide more flexible options against emerging threats in the coming years.

If pressed on the targeting of the object over Lake Huron:

  • Our top priority in all operations is to ensure the safety of our citizens.
  • Appropriate measures were taken in this case to ensure the airspace was clear of any commercial, civilian, or recreational traffic.
  • The missile that missed its target was actively tracked as it landed in the waters of Lake Huron, on the American side of the lake.
  • Expert assessment has indicated that the missile was most likely destroyed when it hit the water, and presents no unexploded ordinance hazard.
  • Canada will work closely with the US to assess lessons learned from these recent operations, and to ensure that authorities, policies, and processes are sufficiently robust to deal with evolving threats to our security.

If pressed on the interception of Russian aircraft in the Arctic:

  • We take the defence of Canada’s sovereignty very seriously. 
  • Through NORAD, we monitor activity in Canadian airspace, as well as the Canadian Air Defence Identification Zone.
  • Russian activity near the North American Air Identification Zone occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.
  • NORAD had anticipated this activity and, as a result of its planning, was prepared to intercept the Russian aircraft, which did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace.
  • We continue to maintain awareness of our airspace, and remain capable of defending it.

Key Facts

North American Aerospace Defense Command

  • Formally established by Canada and the US in 1958, for the combined air defence of North America during the Cold War.
  • The NORAD Agreement was renewed in perpetuity in 2006 and, alongside its exiting missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control, added a maritime warning mission.
  • NORAD has a unique binational structure, which means that it is equally responsible to, and made up of personnel from, both Canada and the US.
  • NORAD features prominently within Canada’s defence policy, highlighting its continued importance to Canada in terms of continental security and broader Canada-US defence relations.
  • Should an unknown object enter the Canadian Air Defence Identification Zone, NORAD will identify and investigate it to assess whether it constitutes a threat. If the object is assessed to not pose a kinetic military threat, further discussions across the Canadian government determine whether it poses a risk to national security, flight safety, or to people on the ground.
  • NORAD also tracks and positively identifies foreign aircraft that enter the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), and as necessary, escorts them from the ADIZ.
  • NORAD employs a layered defence network of satellites, ground-based radars, airborne radar, and fighter aircraft to track and identify aircraft and inform appropriate actions.

Canadian Armed Forces Contribution to NORAD

  • Approximately 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces members support NORAD in fulfilling its missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for the defence of North America.
  • Canada also contributes fighter aircraft, command, communications and control nodes, bases and Forward Operating Locations across the country.
  • Canada is responsible for maintaining and operating the Canadian portion of the North Warning System, a radar station chain stretching from Alaska to Labrador.
  • 1 Canadian Air Division (1 CAD): Canadian NORAD Region headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba, provides operational command and control of assigned assets while the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS), located in North Bay, Ontario provides tactical command and control of assigned assets for the Canadian NORAD Region.

Canada-US Coordination

  • In June 2022, the Minister of National Defence announced Canada’s plan to modernize NORAD. Supported by an investment of $38.6 billion over twenty years on an accrual basis, this plan includes investment in next-generation surveillance; command, control, and communications systems; air-to-air missiles; infrastructure and support capabilities, including in the North; and science and technology.
  • Canada will continue working closely with the US on NORAD modernization and the implementation of initiatives on a bilateral and binational basis, to support the shared priority areas identified in the Canada-US Joint Statement on NORAD Modernization.
  • This cooperation is taking place primarily through the service-to-service relationship between the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and United States Air Force (USAF), and will be supported by stakeholders across DND/CAF and the US Department of Defense as appropriate, including through strategic engagements at the officials level.

NORAD Modernization and Continental Defence

  • We are committed to ensuring the safety of Canadians and contributing to the security of North America.
  • In today’s global environment, NORAD has renewed importance in safeguarding North America against rapidly changing threats.
  • That is why we are investing $38.6 billion over twenty years to modernize our contribution to NORAD.
  • This marks the most significant upgrade to Canada’s NORAD capabilities in nearly four decades.
  • We will invest in enhanced surveillance, improved command, control, and communications, modernized air weapons systems, infrastructure and support, and research and development.
  • These investments will help protect Canadians from new and emerging aerospace threats.
  • We are undertaking these efforts in collaboration with our American partners so that we adapt to evolving security challenges together.
  • We will also create a fund to enable Indigenous partners to meaningfully engage with National Defence as we deliver these initiatives and on shared interests more broadly.

If pressed on short-term action to bolster continental defence:

  • Canada continues to work closely with the U.S. to detect, deter, and defend against threats to North America – every day and in all domains.
  • In addition to implementing NORAD modernization plans, we continue to advance a number of key procurement projects that are relevant to continental defence, including the acquisition of the F-35.
  • We are also investing in new technological solutions such as Over-the-Horizon Radar, which will greatly enhance early warning and tracking of potential threats to North America.

Key Facts

  • On June 20, 2022, National Defence announced $3 billion over six years with $1.9 billion in remaining amortization in continental defence modernization. This is part of the $38.6 billion investment on an accrual basis over 20 years for new capabilities.
  • Our NORAD modernization investments are focused on five key areas:
    • enhancing surveillance and threat detection;
    • improving command, control, and communications;
    • modernizing air weapons systems;
    • upgrading our infrastructure and support capabilities, and;
    • investing in research and development.
  • Canada contributes fighter aircraft, bases and Forward Operating Location across the country to NORAD, and approximately 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces members support NORAD missions.
  • The North Warning System (NWS) includes 10 operational Long Range Radars (LRR), 36 unattended Short Range Radar (SRR) sites and five Logistics Support Sites (LSS) across Canada. It also comprises the North Warning System Control Center (NWSCC) and the North Warning System Support Center (NWSSC), which are located and operated at 22 Wing, North Bay, Ontario.
  • 46 of the 47 Canadian NWS radar sites are located within three Inuit Settlement Areas across Canada’s North. However, they are remotely monitored and controlled by NORAD from the Canadian Air Defence Sector, located at 22 Wing, North Bay, Ontario.

Details

Funding for NORAD Modernization

  • “Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy” outlined the vision for Canada’s continued cooperation with the U.S. to meet emerging threats and perils to North America through the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and continental defence efforts.
  • NORAD modernization is a long-term project and the investments announced in June 2022 will support NORAD and the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) ability to protect Canadians against new and emerging aerospace threats to Canada and North America more broadly.
  • Specific investments will include, among other initiatives, new Over the Horizon radar systems; command, control, and communications upgrades; additional air-to-air refueling aircraft; advanced air-to-air missiles for fighter jets; upgrades to CAF infrastructure in the North; and additional funding to complete and augment key space projects, broken down into 5 inter-related areas of investment:
  • Bolstering our ability to detect threats earlier and more precisely by modernizing our surveillance systems ($6.96B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
  • Improving our ability to understand and communicate threats to decision-makers in a timely manner through upgrades to our command, control, and communications systems ($4.13B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
  • Strengthening our ability to deter and defeat aerospace threats by modernizing our air weapons systems ($6.38B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
  • Ensuring our Canadian Armed Forces can launch and sustain a strong military presence across the country, including in Canada’s North, through investments in new infrastructure and support capabilities ($15.68B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)
  • Future-proofing our capabilities to defend North America through investments in science and technology ($4.23B from fiscal year 22/23 - 41/42)

Canadian Armed Forces Contribution to NORAD

  • Approximately 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces members support NORAD in fulfilling its missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning for the defence of North America.
  • Canada also contributes fighter aircraft, command, communications and control nodes, bases and Forward Operating Locations across the country.
  • Canada is also responsible for maintaining and operating the Canadian portion of the North Warning System, a chain of radar stations stretching from Yukon to Labrador.
  • 1 Canadian Air Division (1 CAD): Canadian NORAD Region headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba, provides operational command and control of assigned assets while the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS), located in North Bay, Ontario provides tactical command and control of assigned assets for the Canadian NORAD Region.

NORAD Missions

  • Aerospace warning: detection, validation, and warning of attack against North America by aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles.
  • Aerospace control: detection, interception, and if necessary, engagement of any air-breathing threat to Canada and the U.S.
  • Maritime warning: processing, assessing, and disseminating intelligence and information related to the respective maritime areas, internal waterways, and approaches to the U.S. and Canada.

North Warning System In-Service Support Contract

  • On January 31, 2022, following an open and transparent competition, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of National Defence, awarded a contract to Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, for the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System.
  • The contract is for an initial period of seven years, and is valued at $592 million ($527 million before taxes). The contract also includes four two-year option periods for a total estimated value of $1.3 billion ($1.1 billion before taxes).
  • This process reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to renewing and strengthening its relationship with Inuit and working to ensure that federal procurement is compliant with Inuit treaties.

Implementation

  • National Defence is working to establish and integrate NORAD modernization projects into the broader Defence program, move out on early priorities in the 20-year plan, and lay the ground for deeper partner and stakeholder engagement on the full suite of initiatives over the coming months and years.
  • National Defence continues to conduct engagements with Northern provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments and organizations, taking a distinctions-based approach, to build relationships and hear their priorities relating to potential NORAD modernization investments.
  • As implementation progresses, National Defence will strive to deliver capabilities that are relevant to, and inclusive of, all Canadians, and underpinned by meaningful dialogue with Arctic and Northern governments.
  • In implementing the United National Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, and the Inuit Nunangat Policy, National Defence is committed to incorporating Indigenous perspectives into relevant defence activities.

Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC):

  • As a result of engagement in support of continental defence and NORAD modernization proposals, the Minister of National Defence was invited to join the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee in April 2022 as a way to formalize and improve cooperation and collaboration with Inuit partners on defence in the Arctic.
    • The regular engagement in ICPC provides an opportunity to affirm our commitment to advancing reconciliation, enhance the relationship with Inuit, and make real progress on common priorities.
    • The Committee meets three times a year, including one meeting co-chaired by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, President Natan Obed.

Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF)

  • In September 2022, the Parliamentary Secretary of National Defence participated at the ANPF annual Leaders Meeting and presented on NORAD modernization.
  • To better understand Northern territorial and Indigenous priorities, and to engage them in the development of proposals, National Defence engaged the ANPF All Partners Working Group three times in 2021-2022 on NORAD modernization.
  • Following an incident in the Yukon in February 2023 involving a high-altitude object, National Defence engaged the ANPF All Partners Working Group to provide Northern territorial and Indigenous partners with an update, including a high-level, unclassified threat briefing on the Arctic.

North Warning System Maintenance and Upgrades

  • While the North Warning System plays an important role in our contribution to NORAD, its surveillance capabilities are challenged by evolving air and missile threats.
  • This is why we are investing in new technological solutions such as Over-the-Horizon Radar, which will greatly enhance early warning and tracking of potential threats to North America.
  • National Defence is exploring the potential role of the North Warning System in the future surveillance network, with consideration to operational requirements and the broader benefits of defence investment in the North.
  • The North Warning System will be maintained until new capabilities are operational.
  • Accordingly, in January 2022, the Government awarded a contract for the operations, maintenance, and sustainment services of the North Warning System to Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit-owned company. The seven-year contract, which began on April 2022, is valued at $592M.

Key Facts

  • The North Warning System includes 10 operational Long Range Radars (LRR), 36 unattended Short Range Radar (SRR) sites and five Logistics Support Sites (LSS) across Canada. It is also comprised of the North Warning System Control Center (NWSCC) and the North Warning System Support Center (NWSSC), which are located and operated at 22 Wing, North Bay.
  • 46 of the 47 Canadian NWS radar sites are located within three Inuit Settlement Areas across Canada’s North. However, they are remotely monitored and controlled by NORAD from the Canadian Air Defence Sector, located at 22 Wing, North Bay, Ontario.

Details

Maintenance and Sustainment

  • In January 2022, the Government of Canada awarded a contract to Nasittuq Corporation to provide operations, maintenance and sustainment services to the North Warning System. Nasittuq Corporation is an Inuit-owned corporation. The seven-year contract, which began on 1 April 2022, is valued at $592M.
  • With this new contract, Nasittuq will be responsible for remote site operations, including but not limited to helipads, gravel runways, more than 100 buildings and over 300 bulk fuel storage tanks. The work involves maintenance, logistics support, airlift coordination, environmental systems management, systems engineering and project management for the entire NWS.
  • This process reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to renewing and strengthening its economic relationship with the Inuit and ensuring that Inuit communities benefit from federal procurement.
  • The NWS will be maintained until new capabilities are sufficiently robust. It is expected that key elements of the future surveillance system will reach initial operational capability at various points between 2030 and 2035.

Future of the North Warning System

  • The potential role of North Warning System sites in the future surveillance network has not yet been determined. Since the North Warning System provides additional capabilities beyond radar surveillance, such as those that support command, control, and communications, this is a complex question that involves further planning.
  • National Defence is working to implement the future technological solutions announced by the Minister in June 2022, which will be the framework of our surveillance of the North, and will assess what additional capabilities may be required.

Future Northern Approaches Surveillance System

  • The Minister’s announcement of Canada’s plan to modernize NORAD in June 2022, which is funded through an investment of $38.6 billion over twenty years on an accrual basis, identified specific capabilities that will form part of the future Northern Approaches Surveillance System. These include:
    • Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar systems to provide early warning radar coverage and threat tracking from the Canada-United States border to the Arctic circle;
    • A Polar Over-the-Horizon Radar system to provide early warning radar coverage over and beyond the northernmost approaches to North America, including the Canadian Arctic archipelago; and
    • National Defence will also work with the United States to develop a complementary network of sensors (CROSSBOW) with classified capabilities, distributed across Northern Canada, as another layer of detection.
  • We will also strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces’ space-based surveillance abilities, including of Canadian territory and maritime approaches, by investing additional funds to complete and augment the new state-of-the-art, space-based surveillance project announced in Canada’s 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE).

Air and Missile Defence

  • Evolving air and missiles threats, such as hypersonic weapons and advanced cruise missiles, challenge our ability to defend North America in collaboration with the United States.
  • As a top priority, we are investing $38.6 billion over the next twenty years on an accrual basis in NORAD modernization, including several initiatives that will enhance North America’s integrated air and missile defence.
  • These investments include next generation sensors, technology-enabled command and control, new and longer-range air-to-air missiles that will contribute to this integrated approach against a broad range of threats.
  • Along with acquiring Canada’s fleet of F-35 aircraft, these efforts will enhance North America’s collective deterrence posture that safeguards the safety and prosperity of Canada and our Allies.
  • While Canada’s position on participating in the U.S. ballistic missile defence system has not changed, we remain committed to strengthening our ability to defend North America against a full range of threats.

If pressed on whether the U.S. would protect Canada:

  • Engaging in the interception of a ballistic missile would be a sovereign decision made solely by the U.S.
  • Canada cooperates closely with the U.S. on defending against other air and missile threats, such as cruise missiles, through NORAD.

Key Facts

  • NORAD: On June 20, 2022, National Defence announced $3 billion over six years with $1.9 billion in remaining amortization (accrual basis). This is part of a $38.6 billion investment over 20 years for new capabilities on an accrual basis.
    • $6.4 billion of this funding will go toward buying and sustaining new advanced short-, medium- and long-range air-to-air missiles.

Details

Given the complexity of modern missile threats, many of Canada’s Allies are moving towards adopting the concept of Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), which aims to remove gaps that exist between different types of air and missile defence systems, and optimizes the overall defence architecture to meet the full range of threats.

Investment in NORAD modernization

Many of Canada’s investments in NORAD modernization will help support developing an integrated system that can defend against a broad range of air and missile threats. For example:

  • Investments in Over-the-Horizon Radar, layered with space-based surveillance will ensure Canada and NORAD can detect and track modern threats;
  • Modernizing command and control systems will enable senior leaders to make faster decisions more effectively in order to maximize deterrence and defence options;
  • Advanced air-to-air missiles, capable of engaging threats from short-, medium-, and long-distance ranges and compatible with F-35s;
  • Augmenting key defence and logistics capabilities will extend the CAF’s range and mobility to respond to defence, safety, and security concerns throughout Canada, including in the aerospace domain through NORAD;
  • Enhancing existing infrastructure in the North will ensure that Canada can safeguard its sovereignty by supporting new aircraft and enhancing more sustainable operations and presence in Canada’s Northern and remote regions;
  • Pursuing ongoing research and development to better understand emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic, alternative energy and cyber, and enable Canada to develop strong defences against new threats.

Northern Operations and Exercises

  • The Canadian Armed Forces maintains a year-round presence in the Arctic through operations, exercises, and training activities.
  • This includes Operation NANOOK, Canada’s signature northern operation that demonstrates the military’s operational capabilities in the Arctic.
  • Our forces also work closely with the Canadian Rangers who live in remote regions in the North and provide assistance to operations and activities. 
  • Additionally, we continue to cooperate with the United States in the Arctic and hold various joint exercises that promote interoperability and shared expertise in northern operations.
  • Canada is making significant strategic investments to enhance northern defence capabilities, including through Strong, Secure, Engaged and NORAD modernization.

If pressed on military training exercises with China:

  • The CAF has not engaged in bilateral military training exercises with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) since 2018, and does not have any bilateral military training planned with the PLA.

Key Facts

  • Key Engagements: In October 2022, Minister Anand convened an in-person meeting of like-minded Arctic defence ministers, the Northern Defence Dialogue, to discuss opportunities for deepened Arctic defence collaboration.
  • In August 2022, General Eyre hosted a meeting of like-minded Arctic Chiefs of Defence, where participants exchanged perspectives on the evolving Arctic security environment, and discussed opportunities for operational and strategic collaboration.
  • Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT 2022: Conducted from August 15 to 29, 2022 in and around Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
  • Exercise Arctic Edge: In February and March 2022, the CAF deployed more than 400 personnel to participate in this exercise with the US military to foster interoperability in cold weather warfare.
  • Canadian Rangers: There are roughly 5,200 Canadian Rangers in 200 remote and isolated communities, including in the Arctic.
  • Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS): In August 2022, HMCS Margaret Brooke made its first operational deployment as part of Operation NANOOK, setting a new record for travelling the furthest north by an RCN Arctic and Offshore Patrol vessel.
    • In addition, HMCS HARRY DEWOLF transited the Northwest Passage in September 2021.
  • NORAD Modernization: Invests $38.6 B over the next 20 years, and includes important investments into capabilities that will support Northern operations and our defence of the North, including Over the Horizon Radar, enhanced space-based surveillance and communications, Northern infrastructure upgrades, and science and technology.

Details

CAF Footprint in the Arctic

  • The CAF exercises surveillance and control in the Arctic, maintains a visible and persistent presence, responds to aeronautical search and rescue (SAR) incidents, assists provinces and territories with ground SAR operations and natural disaster emergencies when required, supports Arctic and Northern peoples and communities, and contributes to whole of government priorities in the region.
  • The CAF’s permanent presence in the North is anchored by Joint Task Force North (JTF-N) in Yellowknife. JTF-N has approximately 300 personnel, with detachments in Whitehorse and Iqaluit.
  • The Canadian Army runs an annual Northern Exercise (NOREX) at the Canadian Armed Forces Arctic Training Centre (CAFATC) in Resolute Bay, Nunavut.
  • The Canadian Army’s Arctic Response Company Groups are regionally-focused units capable of projecting to Canada’s North to conduct sovereignty operations, facilitate disaster response support, or provide generic assistance to other Governmental departments.

Operation NANOOK

  • Op NANOOK is the Canadian Armed Forces’ signature northern operation designed to enhance and expand the Canadian Armed Forces’ capabilities, footprint, and readiness, safeguard Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, and develop interagency, intergovernmental, Indigenous, and multinational partnerships.
  • Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT 2022. Between February 14 and 28, 2022, more than 200 CAF personnel worked together with armed forces members from the US, the UK, and France to conduct activities including joint long-range patrols, complex logistical support, and under-ice diving activities;
  • Operation NANOOK-TATIGIIT 2022. A disaster response rehearsal that encompassed a Whole of Government scenario tailored to meet the objectives of CJOC and our northern partners at the federal, territorial, and municipal levels. The Government of NWT Emergency Management community guide the exercise development and the last iteration occurred June 21 to 23, 2022.
  • Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK 2022. A maritime event intended to build capability in Canada’s northern regions, ensuring CAF readiness to operate in the North within a comprehensive context and improving interoperability with mission partners. Participants included HMCS Margaret Brooke, HMCS Goose Bay, USCGC Bear, HDMS Triton, FS Rhone, and a US Navy medical team. The exercise occurred from August 2 to 12, 2022.
  • Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT 2022. An all-domain, combined joint activity focused on defence and security in the Arctic and integrating northern partners in a series of presence and surveillance activities. The exercise occurred August 15 to 29, 2022 in and around Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, with the maritime component extending until September 30, 2022.
  • Additional northern operations include Operation LIMPID, the Canadian Armed Forces’ ongoing surveillance and presence mission, Operation BOXTOP, the mission to supply Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Alert, and Operation NEVUS, the annual maintenance operation for the High Arctic Data Communications System.

International Cooperation

  • As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, and the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, the Defence Team will work to enhance cooperation with Arctic Allies and partners to strengthen domain awareness and information sharing and will also look to increase participation in multinational exercises in the region.
  • May 16, 2022: Minister Anand convened a Virtual Northern Defence Dialogue to share perspectives on the evolving threat environment with her counterparts from like-minded Arctic nations.
  • Defence Research and Development Canada is an active participant in the International Cooperative Program for Polar Research (ICE-PPR) with several Arctic nations to advance National Defence’s scientific knowledge of the evolving Arctic environment (eg. sea ice, temperature, salinity, ambient noise levels); and to ensure continued effectiveness in defence capabilities, systems and platforms, and their adaptation for future Canadian Armed Forces operations.

Cooperation with the United States in the Arctic

  • JOINT PACIFIC MULTINATIONAL READINESS CENTER (JPMRC) is a regularly scheduled exercise that focuses on operations in cold weather with the U.S. Army units in Alaska and last ran from March 14 to 23, 2022. JPMRC strengthens the lines of communication between Alaskan units and our forces.
  • Exercise ARCTIC EAGLE-PATRIOT is a regularly scheduled exercise that involves the response to a natural disaster with small task Arctic warfare events and last ran from February 23 to March 2, 2022, in Alaska. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) exercised Light Urban Search and Rescue capabilities and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defence capabilities during this exercise.
  • ICE EXERCISE (ICEX) was a submarine under/through the ice operation, which took place last winter in Alaska. ICEX 2022 was the 98th iteration of the exercise. The Royal Canadian Air Force worked with the U.S. Navy with the construction of a temporary ice camp by providing two CC-138 Twin Otter to transport supplies and personnel into and out of austere locations on sea ice.
  • Operation NOBLE DEFENDER is a recurring NORAD defensive operation that takes place throughout the year, and has been ongoing since 2019. This winter's Op NOBLE DEFENDER took place from January 15-31, 2023, and involved a series of Arctic activities demonstrating allied collaboration and integration to defend North America's northern approaches. The prior iteration of Op NOBLE DEFENDER was conducted from October 25 to 27, 2022, to exercise NORAD’s layered defense off the northeast cost of the U.S.
  • Exercise ARCTIC EDGE is a biennial joint exercise that fosters interoperability and the sharing of cold weather warfare expertise in the Arctic. The CAF and Defence Research and Development Canada participated in this exercise between February 28 and March 17, 2022.

Infrastructure and Procurement in the North

  • National Defence takes our Northern sovereignty and security seriously, and remains committed to defending Canadian interests here at home and across the circumpolar Arctic.
  • That is why we are investing $38.6 billion over the next 20 years to modernize Canada’s contribution to NORAD, with key investments in our northern regions to strengthen surveillance and presence.
  • We are also moving forward with the procurement of fighter jets, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, and the replacement of the CP-140 Auroras.
  • As we continue to enhance our capabilities and northern presence, we will continue to engage with Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners.

If pressed on delays for the Nanisivik Naval Facility

  • Infrastructure work in the Arctic poses many challenges, including complex logistics.
  • Work is ongoing to complete the Nanisivik Naval Facility, which will operate as a docking and refueling facility to support the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and other government vessels.
  • We are working to find solutions that could allow the Naval Facility to begin operations in 2025.

If pressed on delays or additional costs for the Inuvik Airport Runway Extension Project

  • As part of our efforts to enhance capabilities in the North, National Defence has committed $230 million for a runway extension at the Inuvik Airport.
  • The announced increase in the project’s cost is a result of delays from the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and rising material costs.
  • National Defence supports the project and recognizes its importance for the region and for the local community.
  • We will continue to work with the Government of the Northwest Territories, which is responsible for all aspects of the project, to help keep the project moving forward.

If pressed on the expired lease contract for the Inuvik Hangar Facilities:

  • National Defence maintains a number of assets in the North that support operational requirements and, where possible, benefit local communities. 
  • We are working to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces have the appropriate facilities to support northern operations, including through our investments in NORAD modernization.

If pressed on potential allied concerns:

  • Canada and the United States have a shared interest in Arctic Security and have cooperated in this region for decades, including through NORAD operations.

If pressed on potential sale to a foreign company:

  • A foreign company purchasing the hangar would trigger the Investment Canada Act. If a sale is made we will have an opportunity to conduct a review of the transaction.

Key Facts

  • Budget 2022: Allocates $6.1B over five years, with $1.3B in remaining amortization to increase defence capabilities, improve continental defence, and support commitments to our allies.
  • Budget 2021: Allocates an initial $252.2M over five years, with $160M in remaining amortization, starting in 2021-22, to lay the groundwork for continental defence and NORAD modernization.
  • Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships: HMCS HARRY DEWOLF transited the Northwest Passage in September 2021.

Details

National Defence Initiatives to Enhance the CAF’s Ability to Operate in the North

  • Participating in space-based global SAR capabilities through its contributions to the Medium Earth Orbit SAR system. National Defence is also building two SAR ground terminals in Canada and is providing SAR repeaters on a satellite system, greatly increasing the range in which emergency beacons can be detected.
  • Enhancing Canada’s surveillance of northern approaches and northern presence through investments in Over-the-Horizon Radar, space-based surveillance and communications capabilities, improvements to northern basing, and support capabilities that will extend the reach of the CAF as part of NORAD modernization.

Inuvik Airport Runway Extension Project

  • Owned by the Government of the Northwest Territories, Inuvik’s Mike Zubko Airport hosts civilian aircraft and acts as a Forward Operating Base for the Royal Canadian Air Force and NORAD. As part of its role as a Forward Operating Base, the airport’s 6,000-foot runway is primarily used for CF-18 operations supporting Canadian sovereignty in the North and NORAD operations and exercises.
  • Upgrades to the Inuvik runway are primarily focused on improving the airfield’s suitability to operate larger and heavier aircraft, which is an important enhancement to NORAD and the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) ability to operate in the North and Arctic. This work is vital to ensuring the CAF continue to have the capability to meet emerging security challenges across the North and Arctic and aligns with Minister Anand’s June 2022 announcement of Canada’s plan to modernize its NORAD capabilities.
  • The project was initially expected to cost up to $150 million. Following third-party reviews, the revised project cost is estimated at $230 million due to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and rising material costs.

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