New Defence Policy Steps Up Militarization of the North
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Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy (AFP) is intended to complement the new defence policy for Canada released on April 8, called Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence. It replaces the previous policy of 2017 called Strong, Secure, Engaged.
It is part and parcel of the same agenda of militarization of the Arctic espoused in the AFP. In announcing the new defence policy, Defence Minister Bill Blair wrote:
"Canada is facing new and evolving security threats, including climate change and its impacts on our Arctic; threats from Russia, China, and others to the international rules that keep us all safe; and accelerating changes to the character of conflict.
"The most urgent and important task we face is protecting Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic and northern regions, where the changing physical and geopolitical landscapes have created new threats to Canada and Canadians. This includes the need to upgrade our continental defences to deter threats or defeat them when necessary."
Blair announced that with the new defence policy will come "additional defence investments of $8.1 billion over five years and $73 billion over 20 years. These investments are expected to bring Canada's defence spending to GDP ratio to 1.76 per cent by 2029-30, a significant step forward in our efforts to reach our NATO commitment of two per cent."
The section of the AFP called "Leveraging diplomacy to support national defence and security" gives a summary of key defence and security investments (bold text is as in original):
"- Several military capabilities will play a key role in exercising Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic and northern waters, including Canada's six new Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships; up to 15 new River Class Destroyers; 11 new MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones; up to 16 new P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft specialized in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare; and 88 new F-35A fighter aircraft.
"- Canada's $38.6 billion plan to modernize NORAD [North American Aerospace Defense Command] will significantly enhance domain awareness in the Arctic and the North through the establishment of a new northern approaches surveillance system to complement the North Warning System and further investment in space-based surveillance. It also includes further investment in space-based polar communications; additional air-to-air refuelling aircraft to support and extend the reach of CAF operations -- and NORAD operations -- in Canada; additional and longer-range air-to-air missiles for Canada's fighter fleet; significant infrastructure upgrades at airfields used to support NORAD forward operations; and more than $4 billion in new funding for science and technology.
"- The defence policy update announced an additional $8.1 billion in spending over the next five years and $73 billion over the next 20 years to support Canada's national defence and security in the Arctic. This includes a new fleet of airborne early warning and control aircraft; specialized maritime sensors, including some that can be deployed by Harry DeWolf-class Arctic Offshore Patrol vessels; a new fleet of tactical helicopters; and a new satellite ground station in the Arctic to enhance the use of Canadian, U.S. and other Allied space capabilities.
"- The defence policy update will also establish a new network of Northern Operational Support Hubs to further enhance the CAF's presence, responsiveness and partnerships across the Arctic and the North and invest in multi-use infrastructure that also meets the needs of the territories, Indigenous Peoples and northern communities.
- In July 2024, Canada announced it would initiate new spending programs to put the country on track to reach NATO's target of two per cent of GDP spending by 2032. This will include the purchase of up to 12 conventionally powered, under-ice-capable submarines by the Royal Canadian Navy.
"- In 2024, the Government of Canada initiated the procurement of eight new icebreakers made in Canada to support Canadian Coast Guard operations in the Arctic, including two polar icebreakers that will enable year-round icebreaker presence in the Arctic. The icebreakers will contribute to the protection of the marine environment, the resupplying of communities and the collection of data that enhances Canada's maritime domain awareness in support of maritime safety and security, climate resilience and scientific research.
"- In July 2024, Canada, the United States and Finland announced an enhanced trilateral partnership called the ICE Pact. It is a collaborative effort to build best-in-class Arctic and polar icebreakers and other Arctic and polar capabilities in each of the countries by sharing expertise, information and capabilities. This partnership also bolsters the ability of like-minded nations to uphold international rules, norms and standards to ensure safety and to sustain peace and stability in the Arctic."
This article was published in
Volume 54 Number 12 - December 2024
Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/Tmlm2024/Articles/M540122.HTM
Website: www.cpcml.ca Email: editor@cpcml.ca