Conference of Defence Associations Institute

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  ➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

In this episode of the Expert Series, Colonel (Ret'd) Stéphane Boucher, President of the Royal Canadian Artillery Association, explains why Canada is reintroducing long-range rocket artillery now and how HIMARS fits into the Canadian Army’s modernization plan.He discusses why the Canadian Army is investing in long-range precision strike capabilities now, the lessons being drawn from the war in Ukraine, and how HIMARS could strengthen Canada's ability to contribute to NATO operations, continental defence, and future multi-domain military operations.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

This episode of the CDA Institute’s Expert Series brings together perspectives from academia, the Canadian Armed Forces, and industry to examine how drones and uncrewed systems are reshaping modern warfare and Canada’s defence posture.Dr. Alexander Salt (Canadian Global Affairs Institute), Lieutenant Colonel Cory Durant (DLR 2, Director of Land Requirements, Canadian Armed Forces) Katheron Intson (CEO, Sentinel R&D), and Bibi Imre (Lund University, and Centre for International and Defence Studies) discuss Canada’s current and emerging drone and uncrewed systems landscape, focusing first on the country’s limited operational capabilities, which are largely restricted to small tactical UAVs like Raven B and Blackjack and select naval uncrewed platforms. They then examine how the war in Ukraine has reshaped thinking on modern warfare by highlighting the need for mass-produced drones, rapid adaptation to electronic warfare, and tighter integration between frontline feedback and industry development cycles. They also discuss the industrial and technical requirements for future capability, including scalable domestic production, resilient supply chains, and the integration of AI, cloud computing, and advanced data systems to manage large volumes of battlefield information, and the tension between technological acceleration and Canada’s institutional, ethical, and procurement constraints.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

This week there are reports that Canada is revisiting the possibility of acquiring a mixed fleet of fighter aircraft, including F-35s and Saab Gripens. The debate comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the reliability of U.S. security commitments in Europe, NATO force planning, and the strategic need to balance continental defence with international obligations.In this episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Justin Massie and Richard Shimooka examine the strategic, operational, and industrial implications of a mixed fighter fleet and what it could mean for Canada’s defence posture both at home and abroad.They discuss the role of fighter aircraft in NORAD and NATO missions, the challenges of integrating multiple platforms into existing command-and-control structures, and the extent to which political considerations may be influencing procurement decisions. The episode also explores the tension between Canada’s push for strategic autonomy in Europe and the enduring realities of geography, interoperability, and coordination with the United States. ➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

This week, Canada formally entered negotiations with Saab to purchase the GlobalEye airborne early warning system. The announcement comes amid growing political tensions between Ottawa and Washington, a review of the Lockheed Martin F-35 program, and broader efforts by the government to diversify Canada’s defence partnerships beyond the United States.In this episode of the Expert Series, MGen (Ret'd) Colin Keiver examines the strategic, operational, and industrial implications of Canada’s potential GlobalEye purchase and what it could mean for the future of continental defence cooperation.He discusses the role airborne early warning aircraft play in NORAD and Arctic surveillance, the operational differences between Saab’s GlobalEye and competing American systems such as Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail, and the extent to which political considerations may be influencing procurement decisions.The episode also explores the tension between Canada’s push to diversify defence relationships and the enduring realities of geography, interoperability, and integration with the United States. Keiver argues that while deeper partnerships with European allies may strengthen Canadian industrial capacity and resilience, effective continental defence will continue to depend on close military and technological coordination with Washington.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

The Permanent Joint Board on Defence (PJBD), a long-standing but low-profile mechanism for Canada–U.S. defence coordination, has recently been suspended, raising questions about the state of institutional dialogue underpinning North American security cooperation. While operational channels such as NORAD remain in place, the pause in this advisory forum has prompted broader reflection on how Canada and the United States manage strategic coordination and trust.On this week’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Chris Sands examines the suspension of the PJBD and what it signals for Canada–U.S. defence relations at a time of growing political strain and evolving security priorities.He discusses the role of institutional mechanisms in shaping Canada–U.S. defence cooperation beyond day-to-day military operations, and how forums like the PJBD have historically supported alignment on emerging threats and capability planning.The episode also explores the implications of the suspension for bilateral trust and predictability, and considers whether increasingly transactional approaches risk weakening the informal and institutional foundations of continental defence cooperation.➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/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/4fQ2wDVThe CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

The Liberal government plans to significantly expand the newly created Defence Investment Agency (DIA), giving it broader authority beyond standard military procurement and a wider role that could touch other areas of the economy. These plans were outlined in a ways and means motion in the House of Commons and formalized in May 2026 through the Defence Investment Agency Act, part of the Budget 2025 Implementation Act No. 2. The Act establishes the DIA as a stand-alone entity led by a dedicated minister and CEO, amends the Defence Production Act to broaden its scope, and grants the agency powers to streamline procurement, support domestic industry, and enhance national security.On this week’s Expert Series, Jody Thomas, former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister and former Deputy Minister of Defence; Troy Crosby, former Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at the Department of National Defence; and Dr. Philippe Lagassé, Barton Chair at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, examined the DIA’s proposed expansion, ministerial oversight, and legislative updates, discussing whether these changes could drive meaningful procurement reform and shift a long-standing culture of overcautiousness.➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/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/4fQ2wDVThe CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

As countries place greater focus on defence spending, supply chain security, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure, NATO allies and partner nations are moving forward with plans for the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, or DSRB. The proposed institution would provide long-term financing for defence, security, and resilience projects across allied countries.Canada has played a leading role in the discussions and has been selected to host the bank’s future headquarters, with several Canadian cities being considered. Today, Jeff Tasseron and Jonathan Berkshire Miller join us to explore what the DSRB could mean for Canada, NATO allies, and the future of defence and security financing.Jeff Tasseron is a retired colonel and fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI). Jonathan Berkshire Miller is Co-Founder and Principal at Pendulum Geopolitical Advisory, part of the Pendulum Group.➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/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/4fQ2wDVThe CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

As the Mark Carney government marks one year since its April 28, 2025 election, its defence agenda has been defined by a sharp increase in military spending, major procurement and procurement-system reforms, and a series of new industrial and international defence partnerships in response to a more contested global security environment and ongoing pressure from the United States under Donald Trump. This includes efforts to rebuild CAF readiness, accelerate capability delivery, and expand Canada’s defence industrial base. On this week's episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Chair and former CDS, General (Ret'd) Tom Lawson reflects on the first year of the Carney government’s defence agenda and its most consequential announcements, assessing whether they are strengthening Canada’s defence capability in practice. He also analyzes this week's spring economic update and the launch of the Canada Strong Fund.➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDVThe 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

The Arctic has become an increasingly important focus of North American defence planning due to its geographic role as the shortest route for a range of modern missile systems and its growing relevance to surveillance, maritime activity, and early-warning infrastructure. At the same time, evolving threats are placing pressure on existing continental defence arrangements, particularly the Canada–U.S. bilateral NORAD framework, to operate across multiple domains and integrate air, maritime, space, and cyber awareness more effectively.On this week’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Andrea Charron discusses Canada’s planned Arctic infrastructure investments, the evolving strategic importance of the Arctic in North American defence planning, and continental security cooperation.She examines the Arctic as a key approach corridor for modern missile systems, the importance of improved situational awareness through expanded sensing infrastructure such as over-the-horizon radar, satellites, and maritime monitoring systems, NORAD’s evolving role as the core binational Canada–U.S. command responsible for warning of air and missile threats, Greenland’s strategic significance as part of the early warning architecture, and the need for clearer distinctions between sovereignty and security language in policy discussions.➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDVThe 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

As NATO adapts to a rapidly evolving security environment following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, countries across the Nordic region are strengthening deterrence by advancing “total defence” models that integrate military capability with civilian resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and whole-of-society preparedness.On today’s episode of the Expert Series, or fellow Dr. David Borys is joined by Ambassador Signe Burgstaller, Ambassador of Sweden to Canada; Ambassador Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland to Canada; Mr. Jon-Åge Øyslebø, Deputy Head of Mission to the Embassy of Norway to Canada; and Ambassador Nikolaj Harris, Ambassador of Denmark to Canada; to discuss how each country operationalizes total defence in practice, from national resilience systems and public preparedness to civil-military coordination and crisis planning. The conversation explores how these approaches are rooted in history, geography, and evolving threat perceptions, while increasingly converging across the Nordic region.We examine how the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO has reshaped operational planning in Northern Europe, strengthening integration across the Arctic and Baltic regions and enabling more coordinated defence postures. The panel also highlights the growing importance of joint exercises, interoperability, and multinational cooperation with partners like Canada in the High North.➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDVThe CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

As NATO adapts to a rapidly evolving security environment following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, countries across the Nordic-Baltic region are strengthening deterrence by adopting a “total defence” approach that integrates military capability with civilian resilience, economic stability, and societal preparedness.On today’s episode of the Expert Series, Ambassador Egidijus Meilūnas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Canada; Ambassador Margus Rava, Ambassador of Estonia to Canada; and Colonel Oskars Kudlis, Defence Attache of Latvia to Canada, joined us to discuss how Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania operationalize whole-of-society defense, the enduring threat posed by Russia alongside growing hybrid challenges, and how NATO’s posture in the region has shifted from forward presence to a more robust forward defense model.We examine the role of conscription, reserve forces, and civilian readiness in building national resilience, as well as the importance of interoperability and multinational coordination across NATO allies. The panel also explores evolving regional dynamics, including the strategic implications of the Baltic Sea becoming increasingly NATO-aligned, and highlights Canada’s leadership in Latvia through the Enhanced Forward Presence mission, alongside opportunities to deepen cooperation in defence industry, Arctic security, cyber defence, and critical infrastructure protection.➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDVThe 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

On March 26, 2026, Canada reached the NATO defence spending target of two per cent of GDP for the first time in decades. The government achieved this after a late boost to defence funding, supported by internal reorganization and measures to strengthen the military. The milestone reflects Canada’s efforts to meet allied expectations and reinforce its defence capabilities.Today, Dr. Philippe Lagassé and Dr. Stephen Saideman analyze the significance of Canada reaching 2% of GDP on defence spending, exploring whether it materially enhances Canadian security, the future of NATO, and the challenges of achieving the next alliance target of 5%, building a domestic defence industrial base, trade-offs required for higher spending targets, and the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on the Canadian public’s increased interest in defence and whether that interest can be sustained.➡️ LinkedIn:   / cdainstitute  ➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDVThe 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

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we bring you a special recap recorded on the sidelines of the 2026 Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence - capturing timely reflections aligned with this year’s theme, “The Road to 5%.” As Canada signals a major shift in defence spending and strategic posture, this episode offers a snapshot of the conversations shaping thinking in real time across the defence and security community.Drawing on conversations with speakers throughout the event, this episode reflects on the broader tone and takeaways emerging from the conference floor - from the urgency of the current geopolitical moment to the growing recognition that Canada must adapt its approach to security, sovereignty, and resilience. Featuring insights from Jill E. Sinclair, Dr. Joakim Berndtsson, Jonathan Berkshire Miller, and Charlotte Duval-Lantoine. It highlights the value of forums like this in fostering dialogue, building cross-sector connections, and creating space for new ideas and partnerships to take shape.The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

As Canada seeks its security and operational capacity in the North, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced a $35-billion federal plan to expand defence capabilities and infrastructure across the Arctic and northern regions, including upgrades to military bases, new operational hubs, improved airports, and road construction projects.On today’s episode of the Expert Series, MGen (Ret’d) Michel Lalumiere, Dr. James Fergusson, and Dr. Rob Huebert joined us to discuss the significance of these investments, the distinction between Arctic development and defence spending, and what these initiatives mean for Canada’s Arctic security and northern communities.We unpack upgrades to northern forward operating locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, the role of infrastructure in Arctic defence, and the NORAD modernization and related capabilities. The panel also explores Canada–U.S. defence cooperation, the challenges of implementing ambitious projects amid cost pressures and community impacts, and the strategic implications of shifting threats from Russia and China for long-term Arctic defence policy.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

As Canada seeks to strengthen its independence and resilience in a more uncertain world, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently embarked on a 10-day tour of the Indo-Pacific, meeting with leaders in India, Australia, and Japan. Today, Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Rohinton Medhora, Vina Nadjibulla, and Mike Hughes joined us to discuss the strategic significance of Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Asia, the India-Canada "reset", the potential for deeper defence and economic ties with Indo-Pacific partners, and what Canada’s new approach to middle-power diplomacy could mean for its role in global security and trade.We unpack the “reset” of the Canada–India relationship, the announcement of multiple memorandums and initiatives in the joint statement, the establishment of a new Canada–India Defence Dialogue, and flagged cooperation on maritime security, highlighting India’s centrality to Canada’s efforts to diversify defence partnerships beyond the U.S. and Europe. The panel also discusses opportunities for deeper defence industrial partnerships, including leveraging Canada’s critical minerals to support India’s advanced technology needs, and the broader Indo-Pacific context, where Japan and Australia serve as strategic anchors for intelligence sharing, naval exercises, and economic security collaboration. ➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

On February 28, 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated, an event that shocked the region and raised significant questions about Iran’s operational security. While his death is undeniably significant, the Islamic Republic survives his assassination, though it emerges considerably weakened, particularly given prior leadership losses and ongoing military and infrastructure degradation.Dr. Thomas Juneau, professor at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, joined us to discuss the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, examining how he was targeted, the operational security failures that made it possible, and what his death means for Iran’s internal stability and the future of its nuclear program. He explores the broader escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the limits of support from allies like China and Russia, and the potential consequences for Iranian society if the regime falls. Finally, he addressed Canada’s diplomatic positioning, including Prime Minister Carney’s statements, balancing support for US actions with domestic and bilateral considerations, and the practical limits of Canada’s influence in the conflict.➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Executive Director Gaëlle Rivard Piché and CGAI President & CEO David Perry examine how Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy is redefining the relationship between strategic autonomy, economic prosperity, and national security. They discuss the structural reforms and cultural shifts required to drive innovation, strengthen sovereign capabilities, and align economic growth with geopolitical realities. This episode unpacks the implementation challenges, trade-offs, and policy signals that will determine whether the strategy moves from ambition to measurable impact. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we examine Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy and how it aims to reshape military readiness, domestic industrial capacity, and Canada’s position in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Andrew Leslie, and the Honourable Peter MacKay assess the strategy’s ambition, its proposed “Build–Partner–Buy” framework, and the creation of a new Defence Investment Agency. They discuss long-standing procurement challenges, persistent capability gaps within the Canadian Armed Forces, and the realism of directing 70% of defence contracts to Canadian firms while remaining closely integrated with the United States and NATO supply chains. This episode offers a candid evaluation of the opportunities and risks embedded in the strategy, underscoring the importance of effective implementation, economic resilience, and timely investment to ensure Canada can meet both its operational commitments and broader national security objectives. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we delve into the strategic complexities of Arctic security through the lens of wargaming. MGen (Ret’d) Dennis Thompson, creator of the game and Senior Mentor and Instructor at the Canadian Forces College, and Ven Adamov, Partner and Data Analytics Leader in KPMG’s Risk Services Practice, share their experiences and key takeaways while highlighting the geopolitical dynamics and military readiness challenges faced by Canada and its NATO allies. They explore the strategic importance of the Northwest Passage, the role of pre-emptive strikes, and the impact of advanced technologies in modern warfare. This episode delivers a focused analysis of the shifting Arctic security landscape, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, UBC Professor and CDA Institute Fellow David Borys is joined by CDAI Chair General (Ret’d) Tom Lawson and Vice-Chair Wendy Gilmour to discuss their recent National Post opinion piece on rebuilding the Canadian Armed Forces.Together, they examine Canada’s defence spending and its implications for the military, including recruitment and retention challenges, procurement hurdles, and how new investments could strengthen operational readiness, support the defence industry, and position Canada amid growing geopolitical pressures.The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

As Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this week, the links between defence planning, energy vulnerability, and resilience in Europe are once again front of mind.In this very timely release, the CDA Institute’s Climate Security Programme is sharing the third and final episode of its Special Expert Series highlighting key insights from the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit, co-hosted with @NATO CCASCOE. In this episode, Programme Director @Pauline Baudu is joined by Lennard de Klerk, lead author of The Climate Damage Caused by Russia’s War in Ukraine, produced by the Initiative on GHG Accounting of War, to examine how energy vulnerability and the environmental footprint of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are reshaping defence planning, military readiness, and European security, and what Canada and its Allies can learn to increase their own resilience.    We explore:  - Why Russia’s invasion is a 'fossil-fuel war', how energy dependence creates strategic vulnerability, and why reducing reliance on fossil fuels is now central to European resilience and autonomy- How energy infrastructure has emerged as both a primary target and a critical weakness in the Ukraine conflict, particularly for energy-dependent military operations- What lessons Canada can draw from Ukraine as it modernizes its forces and strengthens the protection of domestic energy infrastructure against hybrid threats- How the 1.5% of new NATO defence investments allocated to critical infrastructure can be leveraged to reduce military emissions, strengthen capability, and enhance long-term resilience This episode was recorded in December 2025.The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

On today’s episode of The Expert Series Podcast, we speak with Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, to examine the Trump administration’s interest in Greenland, growing strains within the transatlantic alliance, and what recent developments at the World Economic Forum in Davos reveal about the future of global order. Joshi reflects on the implications of renewed great power competition, alliance uncertainty, and the erosion of long-standing assumptions underpinning international security. The discussion explores how allies are responding to a more transactional and unpredictable U.S. approach, the challenges facing NATO and middle powers, and how Canada can navigate a rapidly changing strategic environment while balancing dependence, diversification, and sovereignty.The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

The CDA Institute’s Climate Security Programme has launched a limited set of episodes of the Expert Series podcast highlighting key insights from the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit (MCSS), co-hosted with NATO CCASCOE.Recorded following the 4th MCSS, our second episode features Director of the Climate Security Programme @Pauline Baudu in conversation with Dr. Andrew Heffernan, adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and climate associate at the Information Integrity Lab. Together, they discuss why climate disinformation is a strategic issue, not just an environmental one, and why information integrity is essential to protecting our sovereignty.Dr. Heffernan touches on how instability leads to misinformation, and how (climate) misinformation deepens polarization and distrust, why much of today’s climate misinformation is intentional and coordinated, as some actors spread disinformation to protect fossil-fuel interests, while others do it simply to divide societies, and what it means for the CAF’s mission, and how DND can be integrated in a whole-of-society response to promote information integrity.➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

On today’s episode of The Expert Series Podcast, Climate Security Programme Director, Pauline Baudu talks with leading experts about Greenland and Arctic security amid renewed tensions triggered by the current U.S. administration’s annexation rhetoric and its implications for Canadian security and relations with European and NATO allies. The discussion explores why Greenland has re-emerged as a focal point of U.S. strategic interest and what this signals for the future of Arctic governance, alliance cohesion, and regional stability.Panelists Exner-Pirot, Huebert, and Maddox assess the strategic rationale underpinning U.S. interest in Greenland, including energy resources, military positioning, and broader security considerations, alongside a reality-check on the scope and limits of Arctic resource development potential. The conversation also addresses the implications for Europe and NATO, the risks posed to alliance unity, and the potential consequences for Canada’s security, energy interests, and diplomatic posture in an increasingly contested Arctic environment.Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot is a Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa. Dr. Rob Huebert is a professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary, Director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies and fellow at the CDA Institute. Ms. Marisol Maddox is a senior Arctic fellow at the Institute of Arctic Studies in the Dickey Center at Dartmouth University and fellow at the CDA Institute.➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

The role of Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA) has become increasingly pivotal in response to a rapidly evolving global security environment. Created in 2005, the position was designed to address gaps in Canada’s national security architecture and to ensure the Prime Minister had a dedicated advisor to navigate the complex world of security and intelligence. Since then, the NSIA has had to adapt to a new reality in which many of the most significant threats originate beyond Canada’s borders. The return of revanchist authoritarian states such as Russia and China, the unpredictable foreign policy of the United States under Donald Trump, and the growing threat of cyber warfare, foreign interference, and grey-zone conflict have all underscored the expanding scope and urgency of the NSIA’s work.On today’s podcast, inspired by their recent CIGI article 'Getting Serious About National Security', we spoke with Vincent Rigby and Adam Chapnick about how the NSIA’s role has evolved over time, the challenges it faces today, whether or not Canada has begun to take its national security more seriously, and what lies ahead in an increasingly unstable world. They also discuss both the practical and strategic changes within Canada’s national security framework and consider how future holders of the NSIA position can navigate an increasingly complex threat environment.Link to article: https://www.cigionline.org/publications/getting-serious-about-national-security/➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

On Today’s episode of The Expert Series Podcast, Dr. Roland Paris, Ben Rowswell, and Dr. Kamran Bokhari examine the recent U.S. strikes on Venezuela, the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump’s renewed discussion around the potential acquisition of Greenland, and what pivots in U.S. national security strategy and renewed focus on the Western hemisphere mean for Canadian and global security.Paris, Rowswell, and Bokhari discuss the implications of U.S. strikes on Venezuela and the removal of President Maduro for regional and international security, historical precedent and U.S.-Venezuela relations, whether or not U.S. actions present challenges for state sovereignty and international law, the strategic logic behind a renewed U.S. focus on the Western Hemisphere and the reassertion of its regional influence, President Trump’s remarks about taking Greenland and its geopolitical influence, the risks of further regional and global instability, what shifts in U.S. foreign policy and the National Security Strategy mean for NATO, continental security, and Canada’s position as a middle power in a changing international system.Roland Paris is a Professor of International Affairs and Director of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, and former Senior Advisor on Foreign Policy to the Prime Minister of Canada, Ben Rowswell is a consultant with Catalyze4, who previously served as Canada’s chargé d’affaires in Iraq from 2003 to 2005 and as Canada’s Ambassador to Venezuela from 2014 to 2017, and Dr. Kamran Bokhari is a Senior Director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington of which he is a key founder, and also teaches graduate level courses at Georgetown University.The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

From the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump to the Defence Investment Strategy, Budget 2025, the CPSP downselection, Canada’s integration into ReArm Europe, and this summer’s NATO Summit announcement that Canada would meet the 2% GDP target for defence spending, General Tom Lawson, Wendy Gilmour, and Dr. Rob Huebert joined the season finale of The Expert Series to reflect on the most consequential defence and security developments of the year and offer a threat assessment for 2026.The panel discussed this year’s rise in Canadian defence spending and the establishment of the Defence Investment Strategy; the impact of global developments such as the uncertainty of U.S. foreign policy under President Trump; the need to modernize Canada’s military capabilities, rebuild personnel, and strengthen the defence industrial base; as well as the necessity of pursuing strategic autonomy and diversifying partnerships with Europe and other like-minded nations.Central to the discussion was President Trump’s return to office, which has upended longstanding assumptions underpinning Canadian security and has raised questions about U.S. reliability as an ally. The panel examined the U.S. National Security Strategy and the potential long-term implications for Canada and the broader democratic world. ➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

The 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy arrives, in the words of today’s panel, as a strikingly coherent and assertive statement of American strategic intent—a document whose internal consistency carries deeply worrying implications for Canada, Europe, and global stability. It portrays a United States increasingly oriented toward a hemispheric, mercantilist posture, relying on coercive diplomacy in the Americas while softening its language on Russia in ways that appear to concede space for expanded Russian influence in Europe. Rooted in a legislative requirement to justify defence spending to Congress, the NSS must also be read through the lens of U.S. domestic politics, where the coming 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election will shape and sharpen Republican debates over the country’s global role.On today’s episode, Vincent Rigby, former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister; Kerry Buck, former Canadian Ambassador to NATO; and Christopher Sands, Director of the Center for Canadian Studies at Johns Hopkins, joined us to unpack the new U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) and its implications for Canada and U.S. allies. The panel discusses the document’s hemispheric framing; shifts in U.S. views toward Russia and implications for European security; the potential weakening of NATO cohesion and transatlantic stability; the domestic political forces shaping U.S. strategy and Republican foreign-policy debates; the absence of Canada in the NSS and what that signals about Canada’s strategic position; risks for Canada related to critical minerals, Arctic sovereignty, industrial policy, and trade diversification; and the broader challenge of navigating U.S. unpredictability and the need to reinforce Canada’s ties to Europe and like-minded partners.➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

The CDA Institute’s Climate Security Programme has launched a limited set of episodes of the Expert Series podcast highlighting key insights from the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit (MCSS), co-hosted with NATO CCASCOE. In our first episode, Director of the Climate Security Programme Pauline Baudu is joined by Eva Cohen, Founder & President of Civil Protection Youth Canada (CPYC), to discuss how civil–military cooperation in Canada is adapting as climate-driven and compound disasters grow more frequent and complex. Eva brings experience from Germany’s THW, a leading volunteer-based civil protection model, and has facilitated multiple expert exchanges between THW and the Canadian defence community, including CJOC. Her work outlines why Canada needs a citizen-based civil protection approach and what it will take to make it work. In this episode, we explore how community-level preparedness and youth-led training can reduce pressure on national response systems in the context of climate disasters, lessons from THW that could strengthen Canadian resilience, as well as how the CAF can best support whole-of-society emergency management while maintaining civilian leadership ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.THW: https://www.thw.de/EN/homepage/homepage_node.html Civil Protection Youth Canada: https://www.civilprotection.ca/The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

On today's Expert Series, Paul Taillon and Howard Coombs joined us to discuss Canada's plan to expand its reserve forces, with goals to increase the primary reserve to 100,000 and the supplementary reserve to 300,000. They discussed the key challenges, including inefficient recruiting systems, limited training capacity, and the need for better integration with regular forces. Other issues addressed were the supplementary reserve's current role as a civil defence pool rather than a war-fighting force, historical context on the reserve's role in national defence, and the importance of addressing these challenges to maintain Canada's sovereignty and readiness for future threats.Given the urgent need to address these issues, what steps can Canada take to ensure a more effective and sustainable reserve force strategy in the face of an increasingly unstable global security environment?Dr. Col. Paul de B. Taillon is the Vice-Chair of the PIF Selection Committee and has over 40 years of academic, intelligence and military experience. Dr. Howard Coombs is an Associate Professor of History at the Royal Military College of Canada and Associate Director Defence Engagement of the Queen’s Centre for International and Defence Policy, both in Kingston, Ontario. He is also a part-time Canadian Army reservist with the Canadian Defence Academy, also located in Kingston.➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

In 2022, Canada unveiled its Indo-Pacific Strategy, committing $2.3 billion to boost its role in a region increasingly seen as the geopolitical and economic center of gravity. Has Canada actually become a relevant player in the Indo-Pacific, or are we still on the outside looking in? And given how quickly things are shifting, is it time to revisit and update this strategy before it becomes outdated?"On today’s episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Research Assistant Daniela Valenzuela Neto was joined by Stephen Nagy for a wide-ranging discussion about Canada’s Indo-Pacific engagement, particularly in light of last week’s budget announcement, and with a new government in Ottawa.Dr. Nagy discusses the efficacy of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to date, the importance of moving away from a "preaching" approach and focusing on more sustainable, value-driven partnerships, the challenges of defining Canada's role in a vast and diverse region, how Canada can leverage partnerships like the Quad and AUKUS to maximize its influence without overextending its resources, and the importance of strengthening Canada’s relationship with the U.S. and maintaining a realistic, sustainable presence in the Indo-Pacific.Stephen Nagy is a Professor at International Christian University, Tokyo and CDA Institute Fellow.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

Canada's parliament has narrowly approved Prime Minister Mark Carney's first federal budget, allowing his minority Liberal government to avert an early election.The 2025 federal budget commits an additional $81.8 billion over five years to strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities, with a focus on modernizing military equipment, expanding digital infrastructure, and sustaining current defence assets. It sets a clear trajectory to meet NATO's 2% GDP target by the end of this year and aims for 3.5% of GDP on core military needs by 2035, ensuring strategic investments across personnel, infrastructure, and technology.Dr. Philippe Lagassé  joined the Expert Series to discuss the significance of the budget,  the creation of a defence industrial strategy and its potential impact on Canada's self-sufficiency in defence technology, the challenges of balancing immediate procurement needs with long-term strategic goals, the role of the new Defence Investment Agency (DIA) in improving procurement efficiency, and the importance of aligning government, military, and industry, the need for a refreshed defense policy and a national security strategy. Lagassé views the 2025 budget as a radical shift, marking a departure from the historical trend of limited defence investment since the mid-Cold War. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

Canada has shortlisted two international shipbuilders, Germany's TKMS and South Korea's Hanwha Ocean, for its Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, which aims to replace the Royal Canadian Navy's aging Victoria-class submarines. The program plans to acquire up to 12 conventionally powered submarines with under-ice capability and extended endurance, with the first delivery targeted for the mid-2030s. Both bids are now being evaluated for technical performance, delivery timelines, and potential economic benefits to Canadian industry. A final selection could be made as early as late 2025 or early 2026, with contract signing to follow. Full fleet delivery is projected to occur in the 2040s.On today's episode, CDAI Board members VAdm (Ret) Bob Davidson and RAdm (Ret) Luc Cassivi discuss Canada’s submarine replacement efforts, implications of the downselection and the factors that lead to the shortlisting, technical requirements of the new submarine fleet, Canada's industrial capacity to contribute to the construction of the new submarines, managing long-term sustainment, interoperability with allies, and the potential impact of the new defence procurement agency on the submarine acquisition process.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

Yesterday, as part of ongoing measures to streamline defence procurement, Prime Minister Carney and the Liberal government launched a Defence Investment Agency (DIA), tasked with accelerating the purchase and delivery of essential military equipment. The DIA aims to ensure that the CAF receives what it needs with minimal delay, while also promoting domestic industry growth. The agency’s creation comes at a time when Canada is seeking to diversify its defence partnerships with allies.On this week’s episode, Wendy Gilmour, Jeff Tasseron, and Ugurhan Berkok joined us to discuss several key aspects surrounding the creation of the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), offering insights into its intended role in Canada’s defence strategy. They examine how the agency aims to streamline the procurement process, gaps in Canada's defence industrial capacity, challenges in building the necessary domestic capacity, the development of a defence industrial strategy, the potential for increased integration with Europe’s defence industrial base through Rearm Europe, and the challenges in setting up the DIA and avoiding disruption of existing procurement processes and projects.Wendy Gilmour is the CDA Institute’s Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and former NATO Assistant Secretary for Defence Investment, Jeff Tasseron is CAE’s Director of Strategy and Innovation, and Dr. Ugurhan Berkok is an Associate Professor of Economics at Royal Military College.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

On this week's episode of The Expert Series, Anne Rifenstein sits down with Colonel (Ret'd) Stefan Boucher and Lieutenant General (Ret'd) Andrew Leslie to give a big picture analysis for the Canadian artillery's role over the next ten years for Canada. They point towards the reactionary approach to defence funding and how it addresses the Army, discuss the best pathways forward for the Artillery to develop its personnel and training programs, and the technological assets that would best serve the agenda of continental defence.Learn more about the RCAA: https://rca-arc.org/Subscribe to the RCAA's YouTube channel:    / @theroyalcanadianartillerya2505  ➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

In early September, Poland reported a major escalation in Russian drone activity, with 19 drones penetrating Polish airspace. In response, Warsaw initiated consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, a rare move that signalled concern the security of the entire Alliance.  Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also made a high-profile visit to Warsaw, where he met with Polish leaders and issued a joint statement reaffirming Canada's commitment to regional security and defence cooperation with Poland.To unpack these latest developments as well as the Canada-Poland defence relationship we’re joined by Polish ambassador to Canada, Witold Dzielski. Ambassador Dzielski discusses Poland's response to Russia’s drone incursion and the broader NATO security implications, NATO’s adaptability to evolving threats, stressing the importance of political will and rapid response, the current Canada-Poland defense relationship, joint operations in Latvia and Ukraine, the outcomes from Prime Minister Carney’s recent visit to Warsaw, and suggests that Canada can draw valuable lessons from Poland’s military spending and defence reforms. ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

In response to an increasingly complex and competitive Arctic security environment, Canada has taken major steps to strengthen its maritime capabilities. Over the past year, this has included joining the trilateral "Ice Pact" with the U.S. and Finland, beginning construction on two heavy polar icebreakers, and integrating the Canadian Coast Guard into the Department of National Defence. These developments mark a significant evolution in how Canada approaches Arctic sovereignty, maritime security, and allied interoperability.On this week's episode of The Expert Series, Chris Henderson discusses the rationale and implications behind the integration of the Canadian Coast Guard into the Department of National Defence, the Coast Guard’s evolving national security and law enforcement mandate, the “Ice Pack” agreement with the U.S. and Finland, the geopolitical motivations behind the Ice Pact agreement and its industrial and technological benefits, industrial policy, and long-term governance options for the Coast Guard.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

The River-class destroyer is needed to address the aging and retiring fleet of Iroquois and Halifax-class warships, whose capabilities no longer meet current and future operational demands. These new ships will ensure Canada maintains a credible naval presence to support national defence, international alliances, and emerging security challenges, particularly in strategic regions like the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic.On this week's Expert Series podcast, Tim Addison, Director of Naval Affairs, NAC & President, Ottawa Branch, discusses the River Class Destroyer’s intended role in international deployments and sea control missions, the integration of advanced sensors and an upgraded command and control system including cooperative engagement capabilities, the potential to adapt these systems for use in other naval and Coast Guard assets, the implications of integrating the Canadian Coast Guard under the Department of National Defence, the political and financial challenges of the procurement process including cost estimation and risk of politicization, the significance of the National Shipbuilding Strategy in maintaining industrial capacity and economic benefits, and the expected technical and operational challenges associated with building Canada's most complex warship to date.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

Through Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s ongoing support for Ukraine demonstrates the critical role of middle powers in combatting contemporary security challenges. Since 2015, Op UNIFIER has provided training and advisory support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Helping to strengthen their capacity, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has served as a bridge to increase Ukrainian’s interoperability with other NATO partners. Particularly since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the mission has adapted to sustain Ukraine’s defence and institutional reforms by moving to third-country locations (remaining under Canadian direction). In this week’s Expert Series, Lieutenant Colonel Cole Petersen, (ret'd) Major General Bill Seymour, and Jill Sinclair examine the evolution and ongoing impact of Op UNIFIER. They discuss the mission’s early stages, the Ukrainian request for assistance, and the collaborative NATO response, including the Multinational Joint Commission. The panelists highlight Canada’s unique contributions to building trust and capacity, the integration of new operational technologies such as drones, and the challenges of adapting training and support to Ukraine’s changing needs. In discussion, panelists also highlight the broader implications of Canadian involvement in Op UNIFIER, through emphasis on the strategic value of international cooperation and lessons learned for the CAF. By doing so, they examined the vital role this mission has played in reinforcing Canada’s role as a cornerstone of Allied defence.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

The rapidly shifting international environment has sparked renewed interest in CANZUK cooperation as a potential axis for middle powers seeking to safeguard their autonomy and security. While Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand have a long history of informal defence collaboration through arrangements like the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, formalizing CANZUK into a robust security partnership faces practical hurdles. In this week’s Expert Series, John Blaxland and Srdjan Vucetic explore the feasibility of Canada pivoting toward deeper defence cooperation and engagement within hypothetical alliances like CANZUK, given its geographic and economic dependence on the U.S. They discuss the existing defence collaboration between Canada and “ANZUK”, the impact of shifting U.S. foreign policy on the international system, and the emergence of a multipolar world. They also touch on the strategic rationale for hedging against the U.S. and other regional powers, the challenges Canada faces in diversifying its defence partnerships, and why CANZUK is likely to remain more of a concept than a concrete alliance.➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

As Arctic tensions rise, missile technologies advance, and U.S. foreign policy veers toward unilateralism, NORAD faces mounting pressure to evolve. But can it? And will Canada rise to meet the challenge alongside the United States, or risk being left behind? Furthermore, will Canada step into the BMD conversation?In this week’s installment of the Expert Series, Dr. James Fergusson joins us to unpack whether and how Canada and the U.S. can overcome political, technical, and geographic challenges to modernize NORAD effectively and ensure integrated, resilient North American defense against evolving missile and space-based threats. Fergusson discusses NORAD modernization efforts—including over-the-horizon radar and leveraging AI, the need for stronger binational collaboration on continental defence, the strategic implications of growing adversarial activity in space, and the need for Canada to seriously consider ballistic missile defence.James Fergusson is the former Director or the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba. ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

The war in Ukraine is not just a regional conflict, it is a pivotal struggle over the future of liberal democracy, Western unity, and the global balance of power. With Russia pursuing expansionist aims, the West divided, and President Donald Trump reshaping U.S. foreign policy, the outcome of this war could determine whether democratic values or authoritarian spheres of influence define the next world order.Steven Pifer and Angela Stent joined this week’s Expert Series to unpack the evolving stakes of the war in Ukraine and its broader geopolitical consequences. Drawing on their deep expertise in U.S.-Russia relations and European security, they discuss the latest developments of the Ukraine war, Russia’s geopolitical ambitions, the impact of Donald Trump’s return to the white house on America’s position on the war and European security broadly, and how the war’s outcome could reshape NATO cohesion, the broader international security landscape, and the potential emergence of a multi polar-world orderAngela Stent is a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. Steven Pifer is a Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute.The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

With the Royal Canadian Navy facing urgent demands to grow its workforce, maintain aging ships, and prepare for increasingly complex security challenges in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific, can it balance immediate operational needs with long-term modernization?Today, Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the royal Canadian navy, joins us for a discussion on the future of the RCN, its challenges, priorities, and evolving role in a more contested global security environment.VAdm Topshee details the RCN’s efforts to rebuild its force through accelerated recruitment and training, sustain aging fleets while transitioning to next-generation platforms, and project Canadian naval presence in both the Indo-Pacific and Arctic. He also reflects on the Victoria Class replacement and its role in Arctic security, infrastructure needs in the North, Canada’s evolving Indo-Pacific posture and multilateral naval cooperation, technological modernization, including the pursuit of unmanned systems and ISR platforms, as well as Canada’s interests in Antarctica.➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdainstitute/➡️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/CDAInstitute➡️ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cdainstitute.bsky.social➡️ 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/4fQ2wDVThe 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

Charles Davies Joined the Expert Series to discuss the need for Canada to rethink its approach to national defence in response to a rapidly changing global security environment.Davies analyzes the impact of the changing global security environment on Canada’s defence posture and strategy, why its essential for Canada to shed its identity as a “small power” punching above its weight and embrace its potential on the world stage, the need for long-term whole-life management of defence capabilities, a long-term, strategic approach to defence industrial policy, the importance of maintaining interoperability with the United States, and ultimately, the need for the government to pivot from a transactional to a strategic approach when it comes to defence management.Charles Davies’ latest book, True North, Strong provides a clear framework for understanding Canadian defence, breaking down complex topics like force development, procurement, and governance into accessible components. Davies aims to foster a more informed public debate that drives accountability and ensures Canada’s defence capabilities are robust and aligned with national priorities in an increasingly fragmented and volatile international security environment.📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDVThe 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

This week, Canada sat with its allies at the Hague and agreed to triple its defence funding over the next 10 years.Former Defence Minister Peter MacKay joined us to discuss the outcomes of the 76th NATO Summit in The Hague, which saw commitment from all 32 NATO members to increase defence spending, the geopolitical drivers behind this shift, concerns over Canada’s deteriorating military capabilities and systemic challenges in defence procurement, as well as the need for economic growth to sustainably fund defence increases.It is yet to be seen the exact strategy Canada will take to meet the 5% and whether Canada will suffer the same obstacles it faced during the 2% era. It is also largely speculative how allies will respond to this new funding increase and whether the tumultuous inconsistent approach from the Americans will threaten NATO's unity towards major transatlantic security issues. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

On Monday, June 9th, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada will accelerate its defence spending to reach 2% of GDP by the end of the 2025–2026 fiscal year, moving the target forward by several years.With Canada accelerating defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2025-26, how can the government and the CAF prepare for the far greater challenges and restructuring needed beyond just hitting the target?Former Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and former Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) VAdm Mark Norman (Ret’d) joined us to unpack Prime Minister Carney’s Monday defence spending announcement and the complex challenges ahead for Canada as it prepares to meet 2% and possibly 3.5% soon. Norman discusses the importance of disentangling from U.S. dependencies, the need to support Canada’s advanced but underappreciated defence industry capabilities and addressing government-created barriers for Canadian suppliers, Rearm Europe and the need to restructure Canada’s defence industrial base, how bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder capacity, and the need for Canada to carve out its own strategic path by redefining its alliances.Reaching 2% of GDP is only meaningful if it comes with deep structural reform as well as a willingness to confront long-standing inefficiencies in a procurement process plagued by delay and complexity, a bureaucracy that struggles with agility and throughput, and a military personnel system facing a recruitment and retention crisis. Canada needs to prepare, institutionally and culturally, to take ownership of its own security in a rapidly changing world.The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

On Monday, June 9th, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada will accelerate its defence spending to reach 2% of GDP by the end of the 2025–2026 fiscal year, moving the target forward by several years.CDAI Board Member and former NSIA to the Prime Minister, Vincent Rigby, joined the Expert Series to analyze the announcement, discussing the challenges of getting to 2%, matching new investments with appropriate personnel amid a recruitment and retention crisis, and the necessity of procurement reform in reaching the 2% target on time. He also addresses  the challenges inherent in juggling the stated goal of diversification away from the U.S. while maintaining cooperation on continental defence, defence integration, and shared security concerns.What are the main challenges Canada faces in actually reaching the accelerated 2% target goal by 2025–26, and what does the timeline suggest about Canada's understanding of global security threats?📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDVThe 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/)The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

Could a swarm of cheap drones launched from hidden trucks inside Russian territory mark a turning point in the Ukraine war?Nearly a week ago, Ukraine carried out a covert drone operation inside Russia, striking five military air bases and damaging or destroying a significant number of strategic bombers. The attack, codenamed “Spider’s Web,” involved 117 small, explosive-laden drones that were smuggled into Russia hidden in trucks, then launched remotely from locations just a few kilometers from their targets, significantly impacting part of Russia’s long-range missile and nuclear strike force.Federico Borsari and Alexander Lanoszka joined us to discuss the strategic and tactical significance of Ukraine’s drone strike. They unpack the operation’s impact on the war’s trajectory, including how damaging Russian strategic bomber capabilities may shift dynamics in the short to medium term, the logistical challenges of the strike, the role of Russia’s insufficient protection of key military assets in enabling the attack, and the broader implications for modern warfare.While “Spider’s Web” represents a remarkable tactical feat it remains uncertain whether this operation will fundamentally shift the course of the war. Russia’s capacity to adapt and broader geopolitical factors, including fluctuating international support, suggest the conflict’s outcome is still far from decided.📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDVThe 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/)The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute

As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on and tensions rise along NATO’s eastern flank, Lithuania is sounding the alarm, not just for itself, but for the entire transatlantic allianceIf countries like Lithuania or Latvia are tested and Canada—or other members of the Alliance—hesitate, it could damage the credibility of NATO's collective defence. This would not only undermine the Alliance, but embolden authoritarian powers globally. To deter growing Russian aggression and help preserve the international rules-based order, NATO allies, especially Canada, must modernize their defence posture, deepen cooperation with frontline states like Lithuania, and confront emerging threats with unity and urgency.Gabrielius Landsbergis joined the Expert Series on the sidelines of CANSEC last week to discuss the state of Latvian security; expanding Canada’s role on NATO’s Eastern flank and in the Baltics; the importance of cultivating national resilience in the face of Russian hybrid threats; the need for a unified response from the Alliance; what Canada can learn from Lithuania, a small country that punches above its weight in defence; and the potential for Canada to contribute to the Rearm Europe initiative.📬 Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest defence and security updates delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4fQ2wDVThe 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/)The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.Learn more: CDA Institute