Conference of Defence Associations Institute

Why Canada Turned to Australia for Arctic Surveillance

In today’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Thomas Hughes, Dr. Andrea Charron, and Dr. Malcolm Davis examine Canada’s landmark $2.5 billion bilateral agreement to adapt Australia’s proven Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) for its own Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) system. They discuss the technical parameters of over-the-horizon radar compared to traditional line-of-sight systems, the unique scientific, logistical, and environmental challenges of adapting Southern Hemisphere sensor architectures to polar latitudes, the industrial and strategic dynamics of the bilateral alliance, and how the new sensors must eventually integrate into a broader, multi-layered "system of systems"—including space-based satellites, maritime sensors, and F-35 fighter fleets—to deliver a fully responsive and modernized NORAD command and control structure. Dr. Thomas Hughes – Assistant Professor at Mount Allison University and Deputy Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies (CDSS) at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Andrea Charron – Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies (CDSS) at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Malcolm Davis – Senior Analyst in the Defence Strategy Program at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute   ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute... ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute [https://cdainstitute.ca/]

Allies Push to Shift Burden Away from the United States at NATO Summit

Following the NATO summit and Canada’s commitments to increase defence spending, our senior fellow David Borys speaks with former Canadian Ambassador to NATO Kerry Buck about Canada’s role within the Alliance and the outcomes of the summit. They discuss Canada’s progress toward NATO’s new defence spending targets, the need to translate spending commitments into military capabilities, and the role of defence procurement and industrial partnerships in supporting Canada’s contributions to the alliance. They also examine recent capability investments, including submarine procurement, and their implications for Arctic security, maritime operations, and Canada’s broader defence commitments. Read Kerry Buck's latest article for The Globe & Mail: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opini... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGRnX3pBT2ltVTFRR25iX1Q5NWkzNXRQRERYUXxBQ3Jtc0ttbzNpV0lkWnFFZVNNOXh4VGt1NDRYMEFMTFY4aEQwTG8zV2l6Y3pFcFdEb2xQZ1NOckYza3ZfV0FrSlB0X3M0NWExVFhMdVRyeGhranIyaXFsQWxfeUJDamo4d0ZadlNnTDU0ck5jSlF2djBRQ3U3MA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theglobeandmail.com%2Fopinion%2Farticle-was-the-nato-summit-a-success-it-depends-on-how-you-define-it%2F&v=RyICAcvnZdM] ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbktFTndJb1hjZGdPVDdIWF93U1pibUJCMFlJQXxBQ3Jtc0tuYnR6VlZ1Umo4Q093SllVUkd1VlR5X2lJTjRxanNIeXdlZmo2Ym9rVEVJOVQzM0pLNnVBZTRSbzR2OEFTUjhuYlREUDVaOG9BaVVsQTVOQUFSZmtEaENmNV8zcVhkT1VRMWZmMUZqREVFbm1nODV6dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FCDAInstitute&v=RyICAcvnZdM] ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1Nfd0xNbmlWdzNGZlhHTnNURE90Mkx3Q3NyQXxBQ3Jtc0tsZEdyVFBMVnZfNnFiOEYwWUttOFRvV3pYNkNmVjlUMUdSbnVRQ3NZTVphbmoxNzdCLTFOZEd5RHZraV96ZGh0eXdPeGduWFZvOVFUZWxTQzVZbGI4cHlHOGxBdG1VcjZUaGJEODd4NVpDV3pGY3hxdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbsky.app%2Fprofile%2Fcdainstitute..&v=RyICAcvnZdM]. ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2s5SWo4T2RkVFduUXBRczJwaTd4MktjelNxd3xBQ3Jtc0tsUmJfSkJCYjBPb1ZpTE1OeWFHUXloRlE5dFBlRUgzd0c0UFdqNThBY2NUcnZOYUNRWVBfMUlyRUluN3lZaDdYdjNuTm5lTkg5d3JxZjY5T2tzbU80MWplMzFpZVJwNENxc05pd2tWUzNYN2lENXhKcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F42ih7SU&v=RyICAcvnZdM] 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXhTUXZNSDFqZVZ6dnhFR3FiVTB6SWQtdmVqd3xBQ3Jtc0tsNlhyVUI2Ty13NlB3OEdDSkpkSDZZUlFKMngzR2EwbG9hOFF2SXR3a1pYRHpmb2tDME5xZDV6bHlEVkZoY3ZUZEt4MUFmbnZUemlBR3dVU05SNXppLUVaSFJnUVl4VmpObzMzTXlHSkdwN1FJUHhRQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F4fQ2wDV&v=RyICAcvnZdM] The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2lxdFBBelBBbXVwQW44TFBwMUhaVWJ3UVd4d3xBQ3Jtc0treDVSejI2N29xOHNWblNMOGoyZk5zY0dPSV9QZV8yaEE2ck1oOTctZnZ2X0FJeGdkaXJEbVBnUk80OURubDZKUWhqdWxLSDZkYzNKT2ZkQXFiYVZIcjlpN3Nhd2oybU44dTlSZmRDWDA2X1pRVE8xMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcdainstitute.ca%2F&v=RyICAcvnZdM] The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute [https://cdainstitute.ca/]

Canada Selects TKMS for CPSP Submarine Fleet

Following the Canadian government’s selection of the German-Norwegian bid from TKMS as the preferred supplier for Canada’s Victoria-Class submarine replacement, our fellow David Borys speaks with RAdm (Ret’d) Luc Cassivi and VAdm (Ret’d) Mark Norman about the strategic, operational, and industrial implications of Canada’s largest naval acquisition in decades. They discuss the factors that shaped the decision between competing international submarine proposals, including the importance of allied partnerships, Canada’s relationship with Norway, industrial benefits, and the broader strategic signals sent by the selection. They also examine the challenges ahead, including contract negotiations, sustainment infrastructure, timelines, and the need to build the personnel capacity required to operate and support a larger submarine fleet. Beyond the acquisition itself, the conversation explores how a new fleet of submarines could reshape Canada’s underwater warfare capabilities, strengthen NATO contributions, enhance Arctic and maritime security, and provide an opportunity to rebuild long-term expertise and capacity within the Royal Canadian Navy. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmNqcV9zb2NaT2s4bVpnWVRtam5SaVRoQ01WZ3xBQ3Jtc0tscVBhNkYyMGFDV2h1Q1hMWkFLeHZSUjRHSkh1bldsbUJNVGhhc21rNnhqdDZKRzZCeWR4WXJxRmNnTXQ4OVBLTXRPa0tXUFBLQWdhcnNLZUZnSnN4cGFpdElCbU10V3M4SEE5aWRvZkhuZEQzZjBfTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FCDAInstitute&v=PMAiMAPqXd0] ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbm5wRU9RRnFEX0FRWEY5SFZDNWgybkVwMmx4QXxBQ3Jtc0tteUdhUktmdm5vUnR0WFV0cmhkMGxJMUx6RkpLdURCUlJfM0J6Yk56RFp3bEw2aHpYczBTR054ZDNvTTROeEFIRUZjODdHSHpnYXZPTFQ3bDlzcEF2NXhuZTdYZWVuQVF0N3gzLVVaWnJwa2k3RktaYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbsky.app%2Fprofile%2Fcdainstitute..&v=PMAiMAPqXd0]. ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkJsRlE3Sm5Kd3ZUZDE0MTVBUHBiLU5DM051UXxBQ3Jtc0ttZm1yUlNubHRqd3dJX0JsWHUzYXdVSk5rWUdqRElrNTVVLWhKT3BaYlFmQ1I3MGx4WTU3bzBHcjFqdENUWkUzSlVDMFlNQ28wb1dyS0FRbGRmQ3FJcXNvZ3R0RUo3RzJIMVpvZlRoTDhCQnpVODFPdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F42ih7SU&v=PMAiMAPqXd0] 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU9FdVZoLXo3MzlwTVdiWmZHS3ZSZlZYeVBaQXxBQ3Jtc0ttWU5uOWVJR0pGOFNkQldBM1BMVTNETl80RmJObVBiZzZPQkFTRW8xYXVZODNlMHJGb2VDOE55U0JXMk12dUtPc3ZwLTAyYkFtOURtM2tES0k5aTRvUkFMUm51cU15LXFoNm9qc21VT0VaUWxub1ducw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F4fQ2wDV&v=PMAiMAPqXd0] The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU15SEoybkd5Qm1lWGdlRWg5SFNxenprNmxFUXxBQ3Jtc0tsamFELUl3WG91bTRsbXlUZTFFY0VveWdNSHlRRVUwMEFBOFlUOXdTRUJTQnlrUlRiOXpSSjlteUhkMDVubU1ZN1JrWlBBNjlBeTBHSTFuWEpwVzcyMFYyLTNsSEJKX0huT09ScFlZbFRnTXd5SEg4QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcdainstitute.ca%2F&v=PMAiMAPqXd0] The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute [https://cdainstitute.ca/]

Can Venture Capital Fix Canada's Defence Industry?

In February 2026, Canada launched its first Defence Industrial Strategy, backed by major new funding through the Business Development Bank of Canada and the StrongNorth Fund, marking a push to modernize the country’s defence industrial base as global conflict accelerates and technology cycles compress. In today’s episode of the Expert Series, Glenn Cowan, former JTF2 squadron commander and founder of One Nine, examines how venture capital and private investment are becoming increasingly important to national security and defence innovation in Canada. He discusses the mismatch between traditional procurement systems and fast-moving early-stage technology companies, the structural gaps between government, industry, and end users, as well as recent Canadian policy shifts and increased public capital flows into defence, and what it will take to build a faster, more responsive, and investment-ready defence ecosystem. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqay1kaWtOYXdXdXVsUUdwTnlScy1OVTM5UDRzd3xBQ3Jtc0tudGZLSHBnOUdrMW94aXBHQm1YTjlWb0tfNzV3OXBoU29Fc29sQzZTaU9OT3gwYWRNOWU3OWJQN1ZBVzIzNnRaX3VuWGlicnZ6QVFnaHRtLWtxRmtUdTh0eDFZMzBETk5IN20xSjBxUmtqNkdGOXZDVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FCDAInstitute&v=FVEAe7VGuco] ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDV3T3RxWExfMWlfQ2pTNk1HdHlYc3QwY2R1d3xBQ3Jtc0trWkxLSWIzUFJqbjVVc1VwTmxrN2hZdzllTFVOS3lqQXRWNF9hR0tWVndLUTZUQ2NtNzBJQjN0dnVINFpWa2E2S2ROOEhINFh0UENfZ1p6Z3F3NVMwZk44NzdsWG1tT2QwNVpBaF9pcE5LQTU5UkxtYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbsky.app%2Fprofile%2Fcdainstitute..&v=FVEAe7VGuco]. ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmpDckg5b3ItanlEd3Q0Wl9xWVdnSDYyUnRWQXxBQ3Jtc0tuYk0yUkg2X3B3aUxEWDFvWHBEVGdkOVdpQjRhckRBeWYwX0VwVF95djIxb1I4c3NZZHJGb3IwTlg3bEZweE1XV01GME4ydWVBOFNCNWF4QlRtUy11a0VLalNGS25wM1VqU1RSVThXSXNfb09XSzBOcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F42ih7SU&v=FVEAe7VGuco] 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2tJRGxqdVdjZWt0QjdnV3NWS2h4NWxwcHlsQXxBQ3Jtc0tscmI1SmVXcHFhd1MwN3NaU0ZNTTkzUjEtUDJZZGJGYzZqX3BpR3piN0FXbGlXS1dWMmQyc19OS0VGTWY1bnVpRlVEd3dvcE16ajEyc3c5eGtETDA4TzlPZWVBS3Y2MGhmcEh2bVBXVXlSUnZNcDF3OA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F4fQ2wDV&v=FVEAe7VGuco] The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute [https://cdainstitute.ca/]

Canada is About to Choose its Next Submarine

With Ottawa expected to announce its preferred supplier for the Victoria-Class submarine replacement, Dr. Paul T. Mitchell speaks with CDA Institute Fellow Dr. David Borys about the competing German and South Korean bids and the long-term strategic, operational, and institutional implications of the decision. They discuss the procurement process that narrowed the competition to two submarine designs, and the comparative advantages and trade-offs of each option, including range, endurance, habitability, weapons systems, and sustainment. They also discuss the operational requirements associated with Canada’s three-ocean posture, including Arctic operations, long transits, and the long-term implications for fleet readiness, maintenance, and force structure. Beyond platform performance, long-term sustainability and the ability to support and operate a large submarine fleet across vast distances are central considerations shaping Canada’s decision. Dr. Paul T. Mitchell is a Professor, Dept of Defence Studies at Canadian Forces College. ➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3IxU1VILURnRnNMWjFsaC0xNnlpcFFXSDV0Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttcFlvaHY3dEJ4OVhVYS1lZlRQaThCbmhPQktIRWxfNHp3NDd3NklFbDFuaVlMNVU4SzZDamV3eVlIR1pzckFiZFliMHkwV2RTZF9XM2ZBRnJ4WWNuQUdSc1JsTWQ1bkczUThScmltLXY1U2hLLXVQdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fca.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fcdainstitute&v=6H0WHMrtBq0] ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFBlbVpXY0cxNzVSc1VQVi1IYnF4VWpoRzhZZ3xBQ3Jtc0trQnJONEVpenBYRnFFSnF5Y2o3TTdtVHdrOHppRnlNcDlzd28yUHlNd0I3TER0YjNwXzl6MTAtd3pYU1VfV1NtVUNnWUN2Nkd4enA4U24wMWdZT1hlZ0ExZTNIRllfMG53ZEsyb3hUZE90ZlZ0TGRoaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FCDAInstitute&v=6H0WHMrtBq0] ➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbENZOGpOMm5hRXZqUWlWNDdtMTR2NFU1dmZsQXxBQ3Jtc0ttX2t1TllKVndtcnpzaThYaWdwXzZZa3NnN3VQVUdGZzFIU3hXcU1RSDhPczlKXzVJWTVaQVN6ZDBBT3B2STVZR3g4cTJLbkoybktmTk9icTQtZXdKSVcxVFVQTU1OczNiTkwwUFVBVE4wZ05Tak0xaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbsky.app%2Fprofile%2Fcdainstitute..&v=6H0WHMrtBq0]. ➡️ Instagram: https://bit.ly/42ih7SU [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWt1UXhRSDh1NjFQbEs4NG9NTDRBUFczWVYwQXxBQ3Jtc0tuQ2JaVnZfSGw3cUJnejMwVUowQ1VnVXFNdVUtRlJNam1mYk1ZQ0lJcjI2YUNWVHM2SnVFNFoxWmtOQWRfeS1ETG5vbzRkX1pQRkYxcTF4WEQwVzlYVlpFdlNVZjVmWGdUTDRqcHRnNVdUX2xvVmVlcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F42ih7SU&v=6H0WHMrtBq0] 📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDV [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2ZaTEpWWXY0RnB3dmFrZjAtUGNmT3hIblAyZ3xBQ3Jtc0trdFY1eDZGbC04Q2JLcmdISmZnWS0yVjRCaUQ5QU9MVmVoUEl2Y0c5UlJubnlpX0VKZG9iSW1oTkdlUkN6a0F5OTJLbzJMUGNpWk1HdGkwdnJMMDlnbklnU3RhYU5ZM3RORjQ5WVhuWGtHRWh6a3VyVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F4fQ2wDV&v=6H0WHMrtBq0] The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnNzaGJ3MkJKcWtTdERkMXlLVURfblVxOTZ4Z3xBQ3Jtc0tsMVpXRzRwZzhtTXB0RVoxdzhqdlRCOGVEQTRMeFlQdnFMd0VhNGdnRjQtc3BXM1FWVlZwWVVIcGdsbE5hVk1XYktYVmVNcENxVldRZXlxejJqN0FXUlZnT1lmbzR5SDFIcjR3UWpvRmpmVGVjSC1pRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcdainstitute.ca%2F&v=6H0WHMrtBq0] The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security. Learn more: CDA Institute [https://cdainstitute.ca/]