Canada Announces Investment in Air Defense and Anti-Drone Systems.

On February 15, 2024, Canada disclosed its plan to allocate approximately 273.5 million Canadian dollars ($201.96 million US) for the urgent procurement of air defense and anti-drone systems. This initiative aims to strengthen the military capabilities of its forces under NATO command and to progress in the modernization of its armed forces, according to the country's defense minister.
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Canadian soldiers during Operation REASSURANCE. (Picture source: Canadian MoD)

The investment includes 227.5 million Canadian dollars dedicated to purchasing the RBS 70 NG short-range air defense system. This system is intended to protect against aerial attacks for Canadian troops stationed in Latvia, as stated by Defense Minister Bill Blair. Army Recognition had already reported on this on February 16, 2024.

Furthermore, Canada intends to acquire anti-drone technology for 46 million Canadian dollars. This technology is designed to support the approximately 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel participating in NATO's operation REASSURANCE, as detailed in the minister's announcement.

Operation REASSURANCE is a mission conducted by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) aimed at strengthening the alliance's presence in Eastern Europe and reassuring NATO member countries located near Russia, following the latter's annexation of Crimea in 2014. This operation reflects NATO's commitment to ensuring the security and stability of its members in response to aggressive actions and increased tensions in the region.

As part of Operation REASSURANCE, NATO has deployed additional land, air, and naval forces in Eastern European member states, including Poland, the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), and the Black Sea region. These deployments aim to deter potential aggression, strengthen collective defense, and demonstrate solidarity among alliance members.

The operation includes a series of joint military exercises, the enhancement of defense capabilities, and the implementation of reassurance measures such as air patrols, maritime surveillance missions, and the deployment of missile defense systems. Through these actions, NATO seeks to improve cooperation and interoperability among the armed forces of member countries, while ensuring a continuous presence in sensitive regions to prevent conflicts and maintain peace.

This announcement was made following Minister Blair's participation in a meeting with NATO defense ministers in Brussels. The first systems are expected to be delivered later this year. These acquisitions are expected to significantly enhance the CAF's ability to counter various aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems. They will also improve the forces' capabilities to detect, identify, track, and neutralize small drones.