Vanguard Magazine

E M E R G I N G T E C H www.vanguardcanada.com DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 13 tion, receiving far more attention than it did under SSE. Interestingly, there is no new mention of ballistic missile defence (BMD); instead, the focus shifts to threats from hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. This opens the door for Can- ada to reconsider its missile defence strat- egy in the future. However, the government's stance of non-participation in BMD remains un- changed, which poses further complica- tions for Canada. Many practical questions remain about how the CAF will contrib- ute to missile defence, especially with its selective focus on certain missile threats, while relying on the U.S. to address oth- ers. For example, this approach appears to presume that the U.S. will continue to protect Canadian territory in the event of a future ballistic missile attack. Despite this uncertainty, there are plans for new Cana- dian investments in airborne early warning aircraft as well as the possible acquisition of ground-based air defence systems to protect critical infrastructure. Cyber-related investments, some of which are also tied to NORAD modern- ization, contain some of the most impact- ful emerging technological-related chang- es discussed in Our North, Strong and Free. This includes formal changes to the CAF's structure, with the establishment of a new Cyber Command, which will al- low the CAF to better enhance the devel- opment and coordination of offensive and defensive cyber capabilities under a unified leadership structure. The introduction of this new command may become one of the most influential or- ganizational innovations for the CAF in re- cent years. Cyber is linked to a wide range of issues relevant to the CAF, including the aggressive use of cyber attacks by Russia during the war in Ukraine. Other emerg- ing technologies such as AI will likely be able to enhance the CAF's cyber capabili- ties in future. The relatively thorough examination of Canada's planned cyber capabilities, cou- pled with the confirmed investments in this regard, strongly suggests that it is a main priority for the government. This indicates that cyber issues are likely to be given pre- cedence and resources over other initiatives outlined in the policy. Overall, the cyber capabilities of the DND and CAF stand out as one of the more advanced and well- established emerging technologies. Several other emerging technological ar- eas are also highlighted in the policy update. Quantum computing receives considerably more attention compared to SSE. Quantum computing is linked with big-data analyt- ics, which may have a significant effect on ern Canada, as well as the Indo-Pacific. As a result of the Arctic focus of the new policy, NORAD modernization and continental defence issues receive consid- erable attention. Several emerging tech- nological systems are linked directly to NORAD modernization, including new investments in satellites and space-related infrastructure, Arctic and Polar Over-the- Horizon-Radar systems, as well as contin- ued integration of newer capabilities such as AI, machine learning, cyber capabilities, and cloud-based computing and networks. Cloud technology in particular is viewed as something that can further enhance the CAF's digitized command, control, com- munications and computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. The discussion of integrated air and mis- sile defence in Our North, Strong and Free is closely linked to NORAD moderniza- A member of the Canadian Armed Forces shows drone footage to Armed Forces of Ukraine members, on Operation UNIFIER 2024. Photo: Canadian Armed Forces.

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