Research and development for NORAD modernization

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) is responsible for leading science and technology (S&T) investments that will assess new and emerging threats, while accessing and co-developing technological solutions with the United States and other allies to defend North America.

This S&T investment will focus on research, development and innovation that will be used to collaborate with Canada’s allies to ensure we can work together, while also encouraging Canadian innovators to generate solutions for NORAD modernization and continental defence capabilities.

On this page

• Opportunities to work on NORAD modernization science and technology
• Research priority areas
• Space systems R&D
• Integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) R&D
• Autonomy R&D
• Counter uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) R&D
• Cyber R&D
• Quantum-enabled defence capabilities R&D
• Arctic R&D
• Over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) R&D

Opportunities to work on NORAD modernization science and technology

Research and development for NORAD modernization is funded at $4.23 billion over 20 years. Funding for fiscal year 2024-25 to fiscal year 2027-28 is $1.28 billion.

Defence research contract opportunities are posted on Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)’s website CanadaBuys and through the Department of National Defence’s innovation program, Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS).

Eligibility requirements are listed on individual calls for proposals.

Research priority areas

Research and development (R&D) projects are grouped into initiatives to address the priority areas listed below.

Space systems R&D

Many military satellites operate in geosynchronous orbit (altitudes of approximately 35,000 kilometers). For observers, these satellites appear stationary – constantly remaining in the same position in the sky. Although geostationary satellites provide direct, reliable, and unimpeded connectivity, geosynchronous orbit is only possible when objects enter an orbital pattern directly above the equator. In most regions, these satellites are easily linked to, but in polar regions, geostationary orbit is beyond sight and connections are not possible.

Objects in low Earth orbit (altitudes below 2,000 kilometers) are closer to the surface of the Earth and can be launched into orbits that overfly polar regions. The combined effects of better ground-to-satellite angle and proximity offer the potential for high bandwidth, low latency links in the North.

Under this initiative, DRDC will develop and test capabilities on prototypes in orbit to evaluate space-based surveillance, space domain awareness, and novel satellite communication capabilities in the Arctic.

Specifically, DRDC will be exploring the use of commercial and military low Earth orbit satellite networks for improved connectivity in the Arctic and resiliency against attack. In addition, DRDC will conduct R&D to inform the eventual launch of an on-orbit prototype satellite beyond 2030 to improve military radar resilience against next-generation communications jamming and jumbling technologies. Lastly, through this investment, DRDC will develop, launch, and experiment on a prototype microsatellite in order to monitor activities in space and provide warning to protect space systems.

Integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) R&D

As potential adversaries continue to develop more advanced missiles that combine high speed, intercontinental range, and manoeuvrability, Canada must work closely with allies to develop solutions to counter and defeat these threats.

A hypersonic weapon travels at five times the speed of sound or faster, and has the potential for advanced maneuverability after launch.

DRDC will continue to conduct research to understand emerging missile threats as well as enabling integrated air and missile defence by developing detection, monitoring, targeting and counter-measure technologies. Further, DRDC will continue research on a system-of-systems approach that integrates with NORAD and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) capabilities to provide effective, layered, and timely response to all-domain threats to Canada and North America.

Research and development under this initiative will include:

• Understanding emerging missile threats including flight dynamics, materials, and propulsion, as well as the measurement and modelling of high-speed vehicle signatures.
• Research for emerging missile threat defence including sensors and tools for detection, monitoring, and targeting, as well as countermeasures.

Autonomy R&D

In support of our forces, semi-autonomous systems can make decisions and perform actions with minimal human input, revolutionizing how the military conducts operations. With the potential to provide persistent surveillance and off-board effects launched from aircraft, ships, and submarines, semi-autonomous systems promise to disrupt the air, land, and maritime domains. There are also potential applications in the cyber, information, and space domains. Integrated teams of humans and semi-autonomous systems can contribute to more effective and efficient operations, requiring fewer personnel and less time to execute.

Under this priority research area, DRDC will:

• Advance research on autonomy development, concepts of employment, human-machine teaming, integration of semi-autonomous systems, and support to experimentation. It will provide recommendations on how to integrate these systems into operations by understanding their capabilities and limitations.

Counter uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) R&D

As autonomous and semi-autonomous systems continue to advance, so must countermeasures to defend against new technologies and methods of attack. Recent conflicts have revealed how commercial and military drones (also known as uncrewed aerial systems or UAS) can enable or directly attack critical infrastructure and military targets. Threats posed by drones range from less deadly disruption of infrastructure, including airports and power generation facilities, to more serious events, including attacks on military installations, public gatherings, or sporting events. Future solutions will require artificial intelligence and automation to detect and provide early warning against these emerging threats.

Under this priority research area, DRDC will:

• Develop a committed research stream to assess endlessly evolving threats and conceptualize and prototype counter-drone countermeasures and sensor technologies, and develop methods to coordinate multi-agency responses.

Cyber R&D

From commercial supply chains to critical infrastructure, cyber risks have accelerated and multiplied in recent years. The cyber domain has become another domain of potential military conflict – one in which historical geographical and material advantages do not apply.

Through collaborations with other government departments and allies, DRDC will continue to advance research to better understand cyber vulnerabilities, and develop automated tools for cyber intelligence to improve situational awareness and warning operations.

DRDC will increase further its investment in autonomous systems  and increase its capacity to develop and deliver specific cyber capabilities for the Canadian Cyber Force.

Quantum-enabled defence capabilities R&D

Canada requires new quantum-enabled technologies to facilitate next-generation solutions to complex problems. Emerging quantum technologies promise to advance, disrupt, and enable new functionality for a variety of military, safety, and security applications. These include: biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological threat tracking; object detection in Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environments; secure communications and encryption; and fast computing for complex problems.

Through collaborations with other government departments and allies under existing arrangements, competitive contracting with industry, and contributions payments, DRDC will advance research on understanding key quantum technologies and their applications for defence and security.

As identified in the DND/CAF Quantum S&T Strategy Implementation Plan, research will focus on four promising quantum capabilities:

• communications and networking,
• quantum enabled sensing, such as radar and lidar,
• quantum-enabled alternative position, navigation and timing, and,
• harnessing the power of emergent quantum computers to explore new materials and medical countermeasures.

Arctic R&D

Climate change is rapidly transforming the Arctic and Northern landscape, which is warming at a pace of four times that of the global average. The perception of increased accessibility is driving increased maritime and sub-maritime activity in the Canadian Arctic, including by foreign actors. This presents a very real threat to Canadian communities in the North, Canadian economic interests in the North, and the Northern natural environment. To address this rapidly evolving situation, research and development will focus on improved force readiness, forward presence, and situational awareness of Northern approaches, as well assessing how climate change will influence CAF/DND operations in the north and mitigating the environmental footprint of northern operations.

Examples of research projects under this priority area include:

• advising on technical requirements for future capability investments for the Royal Canadian Navy fleet;
• research on the military implications of climate change;
• research on environmentally sustainable power and energy solutions for the Arctic; and,
• research on human performance and protection in the Arctic.

Over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) R&D

Traditional radar systems detect objects within line-of-sight of the radar station and are limited by atmospheric obstructions and the curvature of the Earth. Over-the-horizon radar systems have the ability to extend radar surveillance beyond line-of-sight. This involves bouncing or refracting radar waves off the atmosphere to detect objects faster and from farther away, providing advance warning against incoming threats.

Although over-the-horizon radar systems are currently operational worldwide, existing technologies are impacted by performance issues in polar regions, where signals passing through and reflecting from the Aurora Borealis result in false or inaccurate radiolocation readings.

DRDC will investigate technology and concepts aiming to enhance the detection and tracking of air threats using OTHR, while also investigating non-radar applications of OTHR including embedded long-distance communications.