Vanguard Magazine

S Y N T H E T I C E N V I R O N M E N T www.vanguardcanada.com DECEMBER 2025/JANUARY 2026 19 bestdefenceconference.com SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 20-21, 2026 example, readily available fiber optic cables at U.S. Navy ports allow for synthetic en- vironments to be easily integrated along a systems-of-systems. In Canada, by com- parison, delays with similar types of con- nectivity persist, which prevents the RCN from plugging into the network while in port, allowing combat serials to occur without ever leaving port. This small detail is one of many that prevents the CAF from deploying at a level of readiness compa- rable to its allies. Finally, in terms of academic-industry knowledge, Canada must follow the steps its FVEY partners have taken. In the U.K, to provide but one example, the Simulate and Synthetic Environment Laboratory (SSEL) at Cranfield University is designed specifically for simulation and analytics. Located at the Defense Academy of the UK in Shrivenham, SSEL brings togeth- er higher education, research, and con- sultancy in defence modelling, training, simulation, and the SE. While Canada's academic-industry ecosystem has garnered important achievements under the MINDS and IDEaS programs, and Canada is home to several defence-industry-academic net- works – Triple Helix, chief among them – none are specifically focused on building Canada's defence synthetic environment. That should be remedied. As Canadian leaders weigh not only how to allocate increased defence funding but also where such investments will de- liver the greatest long-term value, the SE should be top of mind. By collaborating with FVEY and NATO allies, Canada can accelerate its adoption of SE technologies for training and operational readiness. At the same time, nurturing a domestic SE ecosystem would position Canada to lead in a field that aligns naturally with its es- tablished strengths in gaming, robotics, and simulation. In doing so, Canada would not only en- hance its own defence capabilities and help alleviate the recruitment and retention challenges but also contribute meaning- fully to allied innovation and security in an increasingly complex global landscape. Both are becoming ever-more necessary as Canada seeks to redefine its defence pos- ture, safeguard its sovereignty, and project power and preparedness to allies and ad- versaries alike. Dr. Kevin Budning is the Director of Scien- tific Research and Programs at the CDA In- stitute and a research Fellow at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. Dr. Alex Wilner is an Associate Professor at the Norman Paterson School of Internation- al Affairs (NPSIA) and the Director of the Infrastructure Protection and International Security (IPIS) graduate program, at Car- leton University, Ottawa, Canada. Reprinted with permission, Canadian Global Affairs Institute, November 2025

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