The Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS) is taking a significant step forward in modernizing its tactical command and control capabilities. At 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base (CFB) North Bay, a groundbreaking demonstration of the new cloud-based command and control (CBC2) software integrator recently took place. This initiative is part of the broader DAF BATTLE NETWORK’s Advanced Battle Management System, designed to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
The event drew high-ranking officials, including Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as senior military leaders from both Canada and the United States. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of this technological advancement.
CBC2 is designed to revolutionize situational awareness by integrating a vast array of tactical data feeds, along with artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. By processing and analyzing this information, the system assists decision-makers in developing actionable strategies, ultimately allowing for faster, more informed choices in critical scenarios.
Lieutenant-General Kenny highlighted how much of an impact this system will have on the RCAF’s modernization.
“To meet future defence and security challenges alongside our Allies, the RCAF must leverage innovative technologies like cloud-based command and control. These technologies represent significant capability increases in areas key to modern air and space forces. CBC2 incorporates state-of-the-art solutions to enhance NORAD’s effectiveness and will revolutionize the way we operate.”
Major-General Iain Huddleston, Commander of the Canadian NORAD Region, was also at the demonstration.
“This technological development will provide our operators with the latest tools to efficiently maintain detailed situational awareness of the battlespace and contribute to improving NORAD’s rapid response to potential threats. It’s a technological leap we are all excited to see come online,” said Major-General Huddleston.
In the coming months, CADS operators will have the opportunity to engage directly with the system’s development. Through the U.S. Air Force’s agile software development process, they will provide valuable feedback, helping refine and improve the technology before its full implementation. This iterative approach fosters flexibility, continuous innovation, and ongoing system enhancements.
As CBC2 progresses through its next development phase, operators will continue evaluating its capabilities, ensuring seamless integration before full deployment. Future rollouts of the system are scheduled across Air Defence Sectors in Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington, extending through 2024 and into 2025.
Once fully operational, CBC2 will consolidate vast amounts of data from various sensor platforms, delivering real-time intelligence to commanders and strengthening their ability to execute missions effectively.
Canada’s role in CBC2 aligns with the broader NORAD modernization initiative announced in June 2022. This long-term plan, backed by a $38.6 billion investment over the next two decades, aims to enhance national defence infrastructure and capabilities.
Beyond command-and-control advancements, Canada’s NORAD modernization strategy includes deploying next-generation sensors, acquiring advanced air-to-air missile systems, upgrading critical infrastructure, and investing in cutting-edge science and technology. These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to bolstering North American air defence in an increasingly complex global security environment.