This is our most significant upgrade in nearly four decades, the minister said during a news conference with Canadian Forces Chief of Staff (CAF) Wayne Eyre at Trenton Air Force Base, Ontario.
The sum announced Monday comes on top of the additional $8.5 billion earmarked for defense in the Trudeau administration’s last budget and is part of a larger $40 billion investment plan over the next 20 years.
The integrated capabilities of our potential adversaries combined with the impacts of climate change means Canada cannot rely solely on its geography to protect us, Minister Anand said.
“It is more important than ever to ensure CAF members have the tools they need to ensure our security and our sovereignty. »
— A quote from Anita Anand, Secretary of Defense of Canada
In particular, the minister confirmed that the Northern Warning System will eventually be replaced by a range of new radar systems that will be able to give Canada earlier and more accurate warning if missiles should be fired in the country’s direction.
She also announced seven projects aimed at using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, that will allow army commanders and politicians to make important decisions more quickly in the event of an attack.
Canada will also acquire new air-to-air missiles that will be compatible with the 88 F-35 fighter jets made by American manufacturer Lockheed Martin, which will replace the aging F-18s used by Canadian military aviation in the coming years.
We will also work to develop options for a Canadian ground-based air defense capability, the minister added, sparing details.
Ms. Anand also announced investments in new infrastructure that should provide the Canadian Forces with the resources necessary to conduct operations in northern Canada. Four new air-to-air refueling aircraft are to be purchased.
“Infrastructure upgrades are more urgent than ever as climate change and warming temperatures have a major impact on our current infrastructure. »
— A quote from Anita Anand, Secretary of Defense of Canada
The Secretary also announced the creation of a new science and technology program for the defense of North America within Defense Research and Development Canada, the national defense research agency.
According to Ms. Anand, all of these investments offer tremendous opportunities for defense companies. Ottawa will also ensure that businesses owned by First Nations members can benefit, she argued.
Military experts have long argued that NORAD’s surveillance systems are outdated, unable to detect cruise missiles or even hypersonic missiles such as Russia has.