International Security

On this page

• NATO Funding
• Military Assistance Donations to Ukraine
• Operation UNIFIER
• Operation REASSURANCE
• The Situation in the Red Sea
• Operation ARTEMIS
• Operation IMPACT
• Military Support to Haiti
• Indo-Pacific Strategy
• AUKUS
• Women, Peace and Security

Nato Funding

Key Facts

Details

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.
• At the July 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, Canada and eleven Allies^{Footnote 1} signed the CCASCOE’s Operational Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to become the Centre’s founding Sponsoring Nations.
• The CCASCOE reached initial operating capacity in the late fall of 2023. The initial priority for the CCASCOE is successful completion of the formal accreditation process by NATO to join the COE family.

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 $244.5M. 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, such as the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and NATO Mission Iraq (NMI).
• National Defence’s contribution to NATO Security Investment Program is $91.4M. 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 other NATO activities is $4.7M. 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).

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 the North American Regional Office of NATO’s 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 is composed of five main elements:
  • Accelerator Network which leverages existing sites to boost development of technological solutions by innovators through a competitive program, complemented by education on protecting technical solutions against potential adversarial activity.
  • Test Centres are sites in universities, government facilities and corporations where innovators can bring their concepts and technologies for testing, evaluation, verification and validation.
  • Rapid Adoption Service is an agile contracting mechanism aimed at providing flexibility to procurers when working with innovators on a specific solution.
  • Trusted Capital Database is a secure digital platform available to innovation actors vetted and nominated by individual Allies to facilitate and/ or connect certified innovators and certified investors.
  • Two Regional Offices that are based in Europe and in North America, which will house the DIANA executive and help manage DIANA’s other components.
• 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.
• In November 2023, the Minister announced that Canada is contributing an initial investment of $26.6 million over six years in support of establishing the North American Regional office for DIANA in Halifax.
  • The initial investment will be spent on leasing a location, operating costs and staffing.
  • The Regional office will occupy an interim office space in summer 2024 while a competitive leasing process is conducted to establish the longer term, permanent office.
  • Staffing requirements will vary during the first six years, however, it is anticipated that 8.5 ongoing permanent Canadian positions will be needed when the Regional office is established. This includes positions in Halifax and at the Department of National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario.
  • Additionally, the DIANA Regional Office in Halifax is anticipated to have up to 35 international staff.

Budget 2022

• 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 an 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 NATO’s Readiness Initiative, and to increase Canada’s contributions to NATO’s common budget and military activities.

Military Assistance Donations to Ukraine

Key Facts

Details

• 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 18^th UDCG in January 2024 marked the first iteration of UDCG 2.0, for which meetings will now take place every three months, in person, and focus on updates from the nine Capability Coalitions, namely, the Armour, Artillery, Air Defence, Air Force, Unmanned Aeriel Systems (UAS), Maritime, Information Technology (IT), Special Operations, and Demining Coalitions.
• During the February meeting of UDCG, Minister Blair announced that Canada would be making a new contribution of $60 million to the UDCG Air Force Capability Coalition to source F-16 supplies and equipment such as spare parts, weapons stations, avionics, and ammunition.
• During the latest UDCG meeting on March 19, 2024, Minister Blair announced that Canada is committing over $40 million to Czechia’s initiative to purchase large-caliber ammunition rounds for Ukraine.
  • Canada will also be donating a $7.5 million package of Canadian sourced night vision devices to assist Ukrainian Armed Forces with nighttime operations.
  • Minister Blair also confirmed that Canada has officially joined the UDCG’s Drone Capability Coalition co-led by Latvia and the United Kingdom. This Coalition is working to find ways to scale up drone production with the collective goal of delivering one million drones 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 are actively helping to coordinate training priorities, execute the delivery of materiel, and working to align future donations and planning for the immediate and long-term needs of the Security Forces of Ukraine.

Donation of Armoured Vehicles

• To date, Canada has donated over 200 Canadian-made Armoured Personnel Carriers, eight commercial pattern armoured vehicles, and 39 armoured combat support vehicles, which have all now been delivered to Ukraine.
• On September 22, 2023, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada would invest $650M over three years to provide Ukraine with 50 armoured vehicles, including medical evacuation vehicles to be built in London, Ontario.
• On January 18, 2023, Minister Anand announced that Canada will supply Ukraine with 200 Roshel Senator Armoured Personnel Carriers, valued at over $90 million. Roshel delivered the vehicles in summer 2023.
  • The contract directly responds to Ukraine’s request for this specific model of vehicle, which the AFU are experienced in operating, and for which Ukraine has already developed a sustainment plan.
• In early August 2022, Canada finalized a procurement contract to supply Ukraine with 39 armoured combat support vehicles.
  • All of the vehicles have arrived in Europe, and related training was completed in December 2022.
  • The contract with General Dynamics also includes elements for repairs and servicing.

Donation of Women’s Uniforms and Protective Equipment to Ukraine

• A number of advances have been made over the past year to institutionalize GBA Plus in procurement projects, including equipment procurement projects.
• Examples of such initiatives include The Soldier Operational Clothing and Equipment Modernization (SOCEM) initiative, which applies GBA Plus and an inclusion-focused lens in order to improve the “form, fit and function” of all operational clothing, protective equipment and load carriage systems.
• Canada donated $25 million worth of winter clothing and equipment to Ukraine, including boots, thermal layers and winter sleeping bags. This also included patterned military uniforms for 2,000 female soldiers.
• Canada has also donated more than 10,800 pieces of personal protective equipment, such as ballistic helmets, night vision wear, gas masks and body armour, totaling more than $15 million.

Operation UNIFIER

(Ukraine)

Key Facts

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 recently extended until March 2026.
• The CAF has been providing the Security Forces of Ukraine (SFU) 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.
• As the mission progressed, much of the direct training undertaken by CAF members transitioned to members of the SFU, with Canadians acting as advisors and mentors as well as assisting in the development of courses.
• Aspects of the mission were temporarily paused shortly before 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 coordinates Canada’s military assistance to Ukraine, as well as helps oversee Allied and partners' efforts to supply and equip the SFU through the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U).
  • Canada contributes 23 CAF members to the SAG-U, headquartered in Wiesbaden (Germany), including a Canadian Brigadier-General as the SAG-U Deputy Commanding General – Training.
• At the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (MoD), 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 Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
• All CAF members who deploy on capacity building programs, including under Op 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.

Operation REASSURANCE

(Latvia, Poland, Romania)

Key Facts

Details

The Forward Land Forces (FLF)

• 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.
• Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s contribution to NATO’s deterrence and defence efforts.
• 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, 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 FLF 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 the Multinational Brigade structure.
• The FLF Battle Group works within the Latvian Armed Forces’ infantry brigade, conducting joint training to be able to respond effectively to an attack.
• As of December 2023, the Battle Group is comprised of 10 contributing nations including Albania, Czechia, Iceland, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
• Over the coming months, this FLF Battle Group will be included in a broader Multinational FLF Brigade that Canada is diligently working to operationalize while prioritizing infrastructure requirements with Latvia.
• Canada has also committed a CAF general officer and eight staff officers to Multinational Division North, NATO’s Divisional Headquarters in the Baltics.

Headquarters Supporting the FLF Battle Group

• The Forward Coordination Element (FCE) team augmented the existing Canadian National Command Element, Task Force Latvia in January 2023, and are planning and preparing for the integration of the Canadian-led Brigade into NATO Command and Control.
• This includes planning for the movement of additional Canadian equipment and vehicles and developing a detailed infrastructure and basing plan to support the scaled-up capabilities of Battle Group Latvia.
• The FCE will transition into a full headquarters as Canadian Army personnel deploy to Latvia in Summer 2024. In Fall of 2024, the Forward Land Forces Brigade will conduct its first Brigade collective training event and integrate into the NATO command structure.
• Starting in Summer 2024, Canada will deploy four Griffon helicopters as part of Op REASSURANCE and is planning to periodically deploy Chinooks helicopters in future years.
• Canada has finalized the procurement of Portable Anti-Armour Missile Systems– including missiles, simulators, and associated supports – from Rafael Advanced Defence Systems for our forces in Latvia. These modern anti-tank weapons will better equip our soldiers to confront threats from our adversaries’ main battle tanks, thus strengthening NATO’s deterrence posture.
• Canada has deployed Medium Range Radar as part of the air defence capability for the Multinational Brigade. It will provide aerial surveillance for the brigade, as well as quickly and accurately identify air vehicles and munitions.
• Canada continues to work towards the acquisition of air defence and anti-drone capabilities for the NATO Battle Group in Latvia, which have been designated an Urgent Operational Requirement.
  • Canada has finalized contracts with Saab Canada Inc. to procure the RBS 70 NG short-range Air Defence System which will enable Canadian troops to defend themselves against fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters within its range, close air support aircraft and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This represents a $227.5 million investment in Air Defence capability.
  • Canada is investing $46 million to acquire new counter-drone equipment. The project will deliver counter-UAS systems, command and control hardware and software, sensors, non-kinetic effectors, and in service support and training. Initial operational capability for this new equipment is expected late 2024.
• Canada has also awarded $4.4 million dollars to IMT Defence (Ontario) and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Canada (Quebec) to support efforts to modernize Canadian ammunition manufacturing.

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 Battle Group in Latvia, along with supporting personnel and equipment.
• The full deployment of tanks, initial supporting personnel and equipment as part of Op REASSURANCE was completed in November 2023.
• The full complement of approximately 130 personnel is in place.

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.
• Canada will deploy a frigate as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 during the second half of 2024. It will also deploy two Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels to NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 1 in 2024.
• Canada will again deploy two Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels to a Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group in 2024.

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 40 CAF personnel, who are responsible for maintenance, cargo movements, and administration.
• As of January 2024, the Air Mobility Detachment has delivered approximately 16 million pounds of Canadian aid, as well as that of our Allies and partners, in support of Ukraine.

The Situation in the Red Sea

(Includes lines on the situation in Israel-Gaza)

Key Facts

Details

Houthi-led Attacks in the Red Sea

• Following the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Houthis stated that they would seek to support Hamas militarily and did so by launching multiple missile and drone attacks against Israel.
• In November 2023, the Houthis began to target Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea, purportedly in response to Israeli military operations in Gaza. Notably, the U.S. Department of Defense has indicated that ships linked to more than 55 nations have since been attacked.
• These attacks have caused ships to be diverted away from the Bab al-Mandeb Straight and the Red Sea. This has had a profound impact on global shipping, as approximately 12% of the world’s seaborne oil and 8% of liquified natural gas passes through this critical maritime chokehold.
• On December 18, 2023, the U.S. launched Op PROSPERITY GUARDIAN, a multinational security initiative under the umbrella of CMF’s CTF 153. This operation brings together 22 countries to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries.
• On January 3, 2024, Canada, along with 13 other partners, released a joint statement calling for the immediate end of illegal Houthi attacks and the release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews.
• On January 11, 2024, the U.S. and U.K. undertook joint military action against Houthi surveillance and strike capabilities in response to the group’s ongoing attacks in the Red Sea. Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and Bahrain also supported this initial strike, although did not provide any platforms to conduct the engagements.
  • Notably, these actions are separate from Op PROSPERITY GUARDIAN.
• On January 17, 2024, the U.S. re-designated the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity amid continued attacks by the group.
• On January 23, 2024, the U.S. and U.K. launched additional strikes against 8 Houthi targets in Yemen, in response to the Houthis’ continued attacks against international and commercial shipping transiting the Red Sea. These strikes were supported by Canada, Australia, Bahrain, and the Netherlands.
• These joint strikes have been complemented by daily unilateral strikes by US forces, to which the CAF provides ongoing planning support under Op FOUNDATION.
• On February 19, the European Union launched their own operation to protect maritime shipping in the Red Sea, known as Operation ASPIDES. Operations ASPIDES will contribute to safeguarding maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation, especially for merchant and commercial vessels. The mission has an explicit defensive mandate, and aims to provide maritime situational awareness, accompany vessels, and protect them against possible multi-domain attacks at sea. Participant members include Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain.

CAF Operations in the Region

• Operation PROTEUS – There are 26 Canadians, including CAF members, Canadian police, 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.
• Operation JADE – There are 4 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 39 CAF personnel deployed to Operation CALUMET, Canada’s contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers mission to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace in the Sinai.
• Operation IMPACT – There are up to 150 CAF personnel deployed to Operation IMPACT, the CAF’s contribution to the Middle East Strategy to defeat Daesh and contribute to regional security by building the military capabilities of Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.
• Operation FOUNDATION – The CAF can deploy up to 20 CAF personnel to U.S. or multinational operational headquarters, both within the U.S. and forward deployed in the Middle East and Horn of Africa.
• Operation ARTEMIS – Canada is currently contributing approximately 25 CAF personnel and two civilians to CMF task forces. This includes 3 staff officers who were deployed in December 2023 to support Op PROSPERITY GUARDIAN.

Operation ARTEMIS

Key Facts

Details

CTF 150

• CTF 150’s area of responsibility includes some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and spans over two million square miles, covering the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Western Indian Ocean. CTF 150’s mission is to disrupt criminal and terrorist organisations’ ability to conduct illicit activities in the area, so that legitimate navigation can transit the region, free from nonstate threats.
• As of 17 January 2024, Canada assumed command of CTF 150 from France. The Canadian command contingent consists of 16 CAF members and one civilian, led by Capt(N) Colin Matthews, and is supported by personnel from the Australian, Bahrain and New Zealand Defence Forces.
• Command of CTF 150 rotates among partner nations, and this is the sixth time Canada has commanded the task force, the last time having been from January to July 2021.

CTF 153

• At the request of the Commander of CMF, Canada has surged three staff officers to support Operation Prosperity Guardian, a CMF operation launched in December 2023 under CTF 153. Under this operation, international naval forces will patrol the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, providing assurance to the maritime industry, deterring illegal activity, and ensuring freedom of navigation.
• This CAF contribution consists of two planners and one intelligence analyst who specializes in the region.

CTF 154

• A CAF officer currently holds the position of Deputy Commander of CTF 154, which leads multinational maritime training at locations across the Middle East and East Africa.

Operation IMPACT

(Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon)

Key Facts

Details

Allegations of Human Rights Violations

• In September 2018, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel who were training Iraqi Security Forces members were shown videos of potential war crimes in which some of the Iraqi trainees may have participated.
• Some of the CAF personnel reported their concerns to their chain of command. Media reports from May/June 2021 detailed the efforts by some members to determine what actions were taken in response to their reports.
• The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service conducted an investigation, which revealed no evidence of negligent performance of duties, inappropriate conduct nor other offences by the CAF leadership present based upon the information available to them at that time. During the course of the investigation, there was no evidence found to support Code of Service Discipline or Criminal Code of Canada charges.

Military Support to Haiti

Key Facts

Details

Training

• On 29 March 2024, 70 CAF members from the 22^e regiment were deployed to Jamaica to provide training to personnel from Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas.
• From 13 January – 4 February 2024, 200 Jamaican, 30 Belizean and 57 Bahamian personnel received training from the CAF in Jamaica to prepare for a deployment to Haiti.
• The training was delivered by 5 CAF members from the 22^e regiment and 4 Peace Support Training Centre officers.
• The training was delivered in three serials and included students from Policing units, Defence forces and Coast guards. The first two serials were delivered in in a “train the trainer” format.
• This training covered topics such as Introduction and Principles of UN Peacekeeping Operations, Protection of Civilians, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Child Protection, Respect for Diversity, Conduct and Discipline, Personal Security Awareness, Stress Management, and Environment and Natural Resources.

Deployment of Maritime Coastal Vessels

• Two Royal Canadian Navy Kingston-class ships (His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Glace Bay and Moncton), with over 90 Royal Canadian Navy sailors, conducted presence patrols in and around Haitian waters from 3-19 March 2023. These ships focused on the littoral waters in the vicinity of Port-au-Prince, with the intent to deter criminal activity.

Delivery of Armoured Vehicles

• Three Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected armoured vehicles, purchased by the Haitian government, were delivered in March 2023 with the help of the RCAF. These vehicles were to support the Haitian National Police’s efforts to combat gang violence. This was the third such delivery in less than six months.
• On 11 January 2023, Canada airlifted two Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected vehicles, as well an additional vehicle, purchased by the Haitian government.
• On 15 October 2022, Canada and the United States facilitated the delivery of three Haitian-purchased Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected vehicles as well as three commercial pattern armoured vehicles.

Deployment of CP-140 Aurora

• In February 2023, a CP-140 Aurora aircraft was deployed for two days to support Canada’s efforts to disrupt the activities of gangs in Haiti and demonstrate Canada’s commitment to the Haitian people.

Indo-Pacific Strategy

(Operation Horizon and Operation Neon)

Key Facts

Details

Indo-Pacific Strategy

• Through the Indo-Pacific Strategy, National Defence is investing in the following initiatives to support 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;
  • $6.5 million 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 and equipment 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.
• 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. [Note: On 28 March, Russia vetoed the Security Council’s renewal of the Panel of Experts which monitors the implementation of the UN sanctions regime against the DPRK (the sanction regime itself remains intact). As of 2 April, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has not made a statement on this issue. There is no immediate impact on the mission. The mandate of Op NEON continues to be fulfilled until April 30, 2026. National Defence remains in close contact with GAC on this matter and will carry out updated analysis, as required, in the coming weeks.]
• 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 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.

Recent Indo-Pacific Operational Highlights

• On March 26, 2023, HMCS Montréal deployed to the Indo-Pacific from Halifax; the first ship to do so from the East Coast.
• HMCS Montréal operated extensively in Southeast and Northeast Asia and contributed to multinational efforts to monitor United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed on North Korea.
• HMCS Montréal transited the Taiwan Strait with the US destroyer Chung-Hoon on June 3, 2023, in support of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 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).

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.
• 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.

Canada-Philippines Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

• On January 19, 2024, the Philippines and Canada signed an MOU on defence cooperation.
• This MOU will serve as the primary mechanism through which Canada can facilitate and coordinate cooperative activities with the Philippines in the areas of defence and security policy, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maritime security, among others. It will also serve as the basis to advance joint priorities and interoperability with the Philippines.
• The signing of this MOU follows closely on Canada’s first posting of a Resident Canadian Defence Attaché in Manila in 2023.

United Nations Peacekeeping Memorandum of Understanding

• On September 21, 2023, during the Canada-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue, Canada signed a United Nations Peacekeeping Cooperation MOU, allowing the CAF to share expertise and support training efforts in Vietnam’s Peacekeeping Training Center.
• Under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Vietnam is a priority partner for military-to-military capacity building, including in the area of Women, Peace and Security.
• An implementation plan for the MOU is in development.

AUKUS

Key Facts

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, advanced industry capabilities in quantum technologies, cyber, and space robotics, and a growing domestic ecosystem for defence innovation.
• 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, 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.

Women, Peace and Security

Key Facts

Details

• The WPS agenda is a feminist framework based on UNSCR 1325 (2000) and nine other related resolutions that recognize that diverse women must be critical actors in all efforts to achieve sustainable international peace and security. The WPS agenda recognizes the disproportionate and unique impact armed conflict can have on women and girls.
• This agenda calls for the meaningful participation of women in the prevention, mediation and resolution of conflict, in humanitarian response, in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction, and in countering terrorism and violent extremism. It also calls for the promotion and protection of women’s and girls’ human rights, including protection from sexual and gender-based violence, including in the cyber domain, and for a gender-responsive approach to all peace and security efforts.
• In a statement in 2004, the Security Council called upon UN Member States to continue implementing UNSCR 1325 through the development of National Action Plans (NAPs) to articulate their priorities and detail actions they will take to implement the objectives of the resolution.
• Coordinated by Global Affairs Canada, Canada’s National Action Plan (C-NAP) on WPS, a core element of Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy, guides the government in advancing gender equality and protecting and promoting the human rights of women and girls in fragile and conflict-affected states through development assistance, humanitarian action and peace and security efforts.
• Both C-NAP and Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy recognize the importance of engaging men and boys, alongside women and girls, as agents and beneficiaries of change in peace and gender equality. C-NAP also ensures that GBA Plus is undertaken and applied to all policies, strategies and projects.
• DND/CAF advances the WPS agenda domestically through ongoing culture change efforts and its commitment to increased engagement with women’s rights leaders and Women’s Rights Organisations (WROs); strengthened gender-responsive CAF operational planning and implementation; enhanced prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual misconduct and military sexual trauma within the Defence Team; enhanced capabilities and leadership for the implementation of the WPS agenda; and increased representation and meaningful participation of diverse women.
• DND/CAF supports international cooperation on women, peace and security in multi-lateral fora such as the United Nations (UN), NATO, as a member of the WPS CHODS Network, and as key partner in the Elsie Initiative.
• In our third National Action Plan on WPS, priorities for DND/CAF are to build an inclusive and diverse Defence Team with a healthy workplace free from any form of sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination; address the profound systemic inequities and disparities that remain present in Canadian society and our core institutions; an
• DND/CAF’s Implementation Plan for the Third National Action Plan on WPS identifies six focus areas: building and sustaining peace; security, justice, and accountability; crisis response; sexual and gender-based violence; leadership and capabilities; and inclusion.
• Highlighting the importance of WPS to the Government of Canada’s priorities, in June 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Jacqueline O’Neill as Canada’s first Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security. The Ambassador’s mandate focuses on providing advice to ministers responsible for Canada’s National Action Plan on WPS, and representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs at select events.

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