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The Canadian Armed Forces is conducting a series of Operation NANOOK activities across the Arctic to strengthen domain awareness, test joint operational capabilities, and reinforce Canada’s ability to detect, deter, and respond to potential threats in the North.  In this episode of the Expert Series, LCol Kristian Udesen, Deputy Commander of the Canadian Ranger Group and former Commanding Officer of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1CRPG), and Captain Jacob McDonald, Operations Officer for 1CRPG, discuss the role of the Canadian Rangers in exercising Arctic sovereignty and Northern defence.  They discuss Operation NANOOK’s Nunakput, Tugalik, and Takunik serials, the importance of persistent presence and local knowledge, Arctic surveillance and defence signaling, whole-of-government cooperation, relationships with Northern communities, the Rangers’ role in supporting regular force operations, and the practical realities of operating across the vast distances and limited infrastructure of the North. ➡️ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

In September 2026, the Government of Canada announced its formal application to join the United Kingdom-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a framework designed to enable rapid cooperation among like-minded European and North Atlantic allies without requiring full NATO consensus. The move comes as Canada faces growing security demands in the Arctic and North Atlantic. In this episode of the Expert Series, LGen (Ret'd) Stuart Skeats, former commander of the JEF’s Standing Joint Force Headquarters, and Dr. Alexander Lanoszka, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo, examine what Canadian participation could mean for defence and security.  They discuss the JEF’s relationship with NATO, Canada’s potential contributions in the Arctic, maritime and undersea surveillance, intelligence and information sharing, command and control, and opportunities for deeper defence cooperation with Northern European partners. They also consider the practical challenges of Canada’s limited military capacity, the demands of its Latvia mission, and whether JEF membership can provide meaningful operational benefits while Canada works to rebuild and expand its defence capabilities. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

On September 17, 2006, Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed European Parliament in Strasbourg, calling for a deeper Canada-Europe partnership as Canada responds to growing uncertainty in its relationship with the United States and a deteriorating security environment across Europe. The speech signals a broader effort to strengthen Canada’s strategic autonomy and deepen its role alongside European allies on defence and security. In this episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Justin Massie, Professor of Political Science at UQAM, and Wendy Gilmore, former NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment, examine what closer Canada-Europe ties could mean for Canadian defence and security. They discuss Canada’s participation in the EU’s €150 billion SAFE defence procurement program, opportunities for Canadian industry to work with European partners, Arctic and maritime security, command and control, air and missile defence, the F-35 and Gripen debate, and the need for a more resilient defence industrial base capable of supporting Canada and its allies. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

Earlier this year, the Government of Canada announced a $1.4 billion investment through the Canadian Defence Industry Resilience Program to establish a domestic ammunition manufacturing supply chain, including production of 155mm artillery projectiles, propellant charges, nitrocellulose, and high-explosive shells. In this episode of the Expert Series, Colonel Stéphane Boucher, President of the Royal Canadian Artillery Association, examines what the investment means for Canada’s ammunition stockpiles and military readiness. He discusses lessons from the war in Ukraine, the strategic importance of domestic production, the future of 155mm artillery in a drone-heavy battlefield, and the need for Canada to build a more resilient defence industry capable of supporting both its own forces and NATO allies. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

On August 24, the Government of Canada announced an $11.3 billion contract with Chantier Davie to build six new Polar Class III icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard. The new fleet is expected to strengthen Canada’s ability to operate in the Arctic while supporting year-round maritime activity across the country. In this episode of the Expert Series, Jody Thomas, former Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, Deputy Minister of National Defence, and National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, examines what the new icebreaker fleet means for Canada’s Arctic security and sovereignty. She discusses the Coast Guard’s integration into National Defence, its evolving role in intelligence collection and maritime domain awareness, and the trade-offs of building the fleet domestically. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

On July 21, Canada became the first observer nation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the UK, Italy and Japan’s effort to develop a sixth-generation stealth combat aircraft and an integrated networked air combat system.  In this episode of the Expert Series, former RCAF commander LGen Yvan Blondin and former RCAF deputy commander MGen Colin Keiver discuss what Canada’s entry into the programme could mean for its future defence capabilities, industrial base, and international partnerships.  They examine the significance of joining the programme, opportunities for Canadian industry, as well as the operational implications of sixth-generation air power, and what Canada would need to do to move from observer status to a more substantive role in GCAP. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

On August 12, the Canadian Armed Forces hosted the Red Cobalt Uncrewed Systems Accelerator, bringing Canadian defence companies, innovators and military personnel together to test emerging autonomous technologies and provide direct operational feedback.  In this episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Alexander Salt examines what these new initiatives mean for the rapid integration of drones and autonomous systems into the Canadian Armed Forces and the broader defence industrial base. He discusses how the Defence Drone Initiative, Red Cobalt, and the Defence Innovation Secure Hub are intended to shorten the distance between military users and industry, accelerate procurement, and help Canada adapt to rapidly changing technology. He also explores the challenges Canada faces in balancing the demand for cheap, mass-produced systems with the need for secure supply chains, the lessons that can be drawn from Ukraine, and the risks of relying on foreign components. Finally, he considers whether these new approaches can overcome Canada’s longstanding culture of risk aversion and create a more flexible defence procurement system capable of delivering new capabilities at speed. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

On August 4, the Government of Canada announced a $2.3 billion contract with Telesat to deliver the first phase of the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project, expanding its Lightspeed constellation by 69 satellites to provide secure and resilient military communications in the Arctic and other high-latitude regions. In this episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Jessica West examines what the new capability means for Arctic sovereignty, military operations and Canada’s growing reliance on commercial space infrastructure. She discusses how satellite connectivity supports command and control, situational awareness and NORAD operations, why Canada is combining low and medium Earth orbit capabilities, and how redundancy and interoperability can improve resilience. She also explores the implications of integrating commercial and military systems, including the potential risks to civilian infrastructure, the challenges of protecting satellite networks from jamming and cyberattacks, and what the growing strategic importance of space means for Canada’s Arctic defence posture. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

In this episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute senior fellow David Borys speaks with LGen Jamieen Speiser-Blanchet, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, about the state of Canadian air power one year into her command and the priorities shaping the future of the RCAF. They discuss the progress of the RCAF's modernization efforts, including fleet recapitalization, personnel growth, and training reform, as well as the challenges of recruiting, retaining, and developing the skilled workforce needed to support new capabilities. They also examine Canada's partnerships with allies and industry, the importance of interoperability, the growing role of the space domain, and how the RCAF is adapting its force structure, training, and operations to meet Canada's defence and sovereignty requirements. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute   ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

As Exercise RIMPAC 2026 draws to a close, our fellow David Borys speaks with CDA Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Gaëlle Rivard Piché, and Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, Rear Admiral David Patchell, about the strategic importance of Canada’s participation in the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise. They discuss the factors driving the Indo-Pacific’s growing prominence in Canadian strategy, how Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy can strengthen regional stability and Canada's long-term security, as well as key lessons learned from RIMPAC 2026, and how fleet modernization, infrastructure investment, and personnel growth will shape the future of the Royal Canadian Navy. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

In this episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute senior fellow David Borys speaks with Major-General (Ret’d) David Fraser about the federal government’s decision to expand Canada’s fleet of Armoured Combat Support Vehicles and what the investment means for the future of the Canadian Army. They discuss the role combat service support plays in modern warfare, how the new vehicles will enhance maintenance, logistics, casualty evacuation, and battlefield mobility, and why strengthening the military’s logistical “tail” is essential to sustaining combat operations. They also examine lessons from Afghanistan and Ukraine, the importance of modernizing aging equipment, and how sustained defence investment can strengthen Canada’s military readiness, industrial base, and broader economic and strategic interests. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

In today’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Thomas Hughes, Dr. Andrea Charron, and Dr. Malcolm Davis examine Canada’s landmark $2.5 billion bilateral agreement to adapt Australia’s proven Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) for its own Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) system. They discuss the technical parameters of over-the-horizon radar compared to traditional line-of-sight systems, the unique scientific, logistical, and environmental challenges of adapting Southern Hemisphere sensor architectures to polar latitudes, the industrial and strategic dynamics of the bilateral alliance, and how the new sensors must eventually integrate into a broader, multi-layered "system of systems"—including space-based satellites, maritime sensors, and F-35 fighter fleets—to deliver a fully responsive and modernized NORAD command and control structure. Dr. Thomas Hughes – Assistant Professor at Mount Allison University and Deputy Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies (CDSS) at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Andrea Charron – Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies (CDSS) at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Malcolm Davis – Senior Analyst in the Defence Strategy Program at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute   ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

Following the NATO summit and Canada’s commitments to increase defence spending, our senior fellow David Borys speaks with former Canadian Ambassador to NATO Kerry Buck about Canada’s role within the Alliance and the outcomes of the summit. They discuss Canada’s progress toward NATO’s new defence spending targets, the need to translate spending commitments into military capabilities, and the role of defence procurement and industrial partnerships in supporting Canada’s contributions to the alliance. They also examine recent capability investments, including submarine procurement, and their implications for Arctic security, maritime operations, and Canada’s broader defence commitments. Read Kerry Buck's latest article for The Globe & Mail: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opini... ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

Following the Canadian government’s selection of the German-Norwegian bid from TKMS as the preferred supplier for Canada’s Victoria-Class submarine replacement, our fellow David Borys speaks with RAdm (Ret’d) Luc Cassivi and VAdm (Ret’d) Mark Norman about the strategic, operational, and industrial implications of Canada’s largest naval acquisition in decades. They discuss the factors that shaped the decision between competing international submarine proposals, including the importance of allied partnerships, Canada’s relationship with Norway, industrial benefits, and the broader strategic signals sent by the selection. They also examine the challenges ahead, including contract negotiations, sustainment infrastructure, timelines, and the need to build the personnel capacity required to operate and support a larger submarine fleet. Beyond the acquisition itself, the conversation explores how a new fleet of submarines could reshape Canada’s underwater warfare capabilities, strengthen NATO contributions, enhance Arctic and maritime security, and provide an opportunity to rebuild long-term expertise and capacity within the Royal Canadian Navy. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute

In February 2026, Canada launched its first Defence Industrial Strategy, backed by major new funding through the Business Development Bank of Canada and the StrongNorth Fund, marking a push to modernize the country’s defence industrial base as global conflict accelerates and technology cycles compress. In today’s episode of the Expert Series, Glenn Cowan, former JTF2 squadron commander and founder of One Nine, examines how venture capital and private investment are becoming increasingly important to national security and defence innovation in Canada. He discusses the mismatch between traditional procurement systems and fast-moving early-stage technology companies, the structural gaps between government, industry, and end users, as well as recent Canadian policy shifts and increased public capital flows into defence, and what it will take to build a faster, more responsive, and investment-ready defence ecosystem. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute