Question Period Note: Contributions to NORAD modernization

What investments are being made to support NORAD operations and ensure rapid response capabilities?

• Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to deter, detect, and defeat threats to our nation and North America through NORAD.
• NORAD’s mission is more vital than ever in this evolving strategic environment.
• To meet evolving security challenges, National Defence is investing $38.6 billion over 20 years to modernize Canada’s NORAD capabilities.
• For example, National Defence is working on an urgent basis with Australia to field our Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system.
• This system will be based in Southern Ontario and will enhance the military’s awareness of threats in our northern approaches.
• In fact, the first two sites in Southern Ontario are expected to be operational by 2029.
• National Defence is also working closely with Indigenous, territorial, and provincial partners to ensure that defence initiatives are planned and implemented in ways that benefit local communities.

If pressed on specific initiatives:

• National Defence is accelerating the deployment of advanced technologies to strengthen domain awareness for the Canadian Armed Forces and NORAD.
• Infrastructure upgrades are advancing at three Forward Operating Locations - in Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit - as well as at the Deployed Operating Base in Goose Bay.
• These efforts will support NORAD operations, deliver new capabilities, and improve CAF readiness in the North.

Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure & Environment)

Quick facts

Investments

• In June 2022, National Defence announced $38.6 billion for modernization investments (on an accrual basis over 20 years) in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
• These modernization investments include:
  • $6.96 billion to modernize surveillance systems by bolstering the speed and precision of threat detection;
  • $4.13 billion to improve threat identification and response speeds through upgrades to command, control, and communications systems;
  • $6.38 billion to strengthen NORAD’s ability to deter and defeat aerospace threats by modernizing air weapon systems;
  • $15.68 billion to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can deploy and sustain a strong military presence across the country, including in Canada’s North, through investments in infrastructure and support capabilities; and
  • $4.23 billion to future-proof NORAD’s ability to defend North America through investments in science and technology.

Arctic-Over the Horizon Radar (A-OTHR)

• On March 18, 2025, Prime Minister Carney announced Canada’s intention to partner with the Government of Australia on advanced A-OTHR technology. Subsequently, in June 2025, Canada and Australia signed a technology partnership to advance collaboration to rapidly develop Canada’s A-OTHR capability.
• This system, based on Australia’s Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) technology and adapted to the challenges of Northern surveillance, will provide advanced early warning and long-range surveillance, enabling faster CAF detection and tracking of a wide range of threats in our Northern air and maritime approaches, while strengthening NORAD domain awareness in the defence of Canada and North America.
• A-OTHR will be based in Southern Ontario. On July 17, 2025, as part of Stage 1, the selection of the first transmit site, in Kawartha Lakes, and receive sites, in Clearview Township, were announced. Initial work is anticipated to begin at both sites in winter 2026.
• Stage 1 will be installed by the end of 2029 and the full A-OTHR capability is anticipated by 2043. Work is underway to shorten the date of full operational capability.

CAF Contribution to NORAD

• Canada contributes fighter aircraft, bases, air-to-air refuelers, Forward Operating Locations, and approximately 1,000 personnel in support of the NORAD mission throughout North America.
• Forward Operating Locations in Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit are being upgraded to support NORAD activities. These facilities can currently accommodate fighter aircraft and other assets on a temporary basis.
• Canada manages and operates the Canadian portion of the North Warning System (NWS), a chain of radar stations stretching from Alaska to Labrador. An Inuit majority-owned company, Nasittuq, is under contract to assist with the management of 45 of the 47 Canadian NWS radar sites.
• Canadian NORAD Region headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba, provides operational control of assets assigned to NORAD in Canadian airspace.
• The Canadian Air Defence Sector in North Bay, Ontario provides tactical command and control of assets in the Canadian Sector that have direct ties to NORAD Headquarters in Colorado.
• Canada demonstrates its capabilities and commitment to NORAD through binational operations and exercises, such as Operation NOBLE DEFENDER, a recurring, year-round defensive training operation.