In June 2022, Defence Minister Anita Anand announced a $38.6‑billion, 20‑year plan to modernize the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)—the most significant upgrade to Canada’s continental defence capabilities in a generation.
The investment spans five interconnected pillars:
- Enhanced Threat Detection – Modernizing surveillance systems to identify threats earlier and with greater precision.
- Improved Threat Analysis and Communication – Upgrading technology to deliver timely, accurate information to decision‑makers.
- Strengthened Aerospace Deterrence and Defence – Updating air weapons systems to effectively counter evolving aerospace threats.
- Sustained Military Presence and Infrastructure – Investing in new infrastructure and support capabilities across Canada, including the Arctic, to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces can maintain a strong presence.
- Future‑Focused Science and Technology – Investing in research, innovation, and advanced technologies to ensure continental defence remains effective over the long term.
These priorities build on the 2021 Joint Statement on NORAD Modernization issued by Canada and the United States, and most projects are expected to reach Initial Operational Capability within the next decade.
C‑CORE’s long‑standing expertise in remote sensing, Arctic operations, and advanced geospatial technologies positions the organization as a valuable contributor across all five pillars of NORAD modernization. Its capabilities in satellite data processing, situational awareness analytics, and northern infrastructure support can enhance Canada’s ability to detect, understand, and respond to emerging threats—particularly in the Arctic, where surveillance and operational challenges are most acute. By providing specialized technical knowledge, high‑latitude data services, and innovative research in harsh‑environment monitoring, C‑CORE can support the modernization of surveillance and communication systems, contribute to the resilience of northern defence infrastructure, and help advance the science and technology needed to future‑proof continental defence.