Message from CDS and DM, 26 September 2024
A New Era for the Cyber Domain: Launch of the CAF Cyber Command -- Originally published by: The Maple Leaf
Today, we are pleased to announce the establishment of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM), a significant milestone in ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is a ready, resilient and relevant force capable of meeting cyber defence challenges today and in the future.
Modern warfare takes place in a complex and borderless threat environment that is challenging to defend. It underscores the need for advanced cyber capabilities that leverage digitalization and technologies such as cloud computing and integrated artificial intelligence.
To respond to the rapidly evolving nature of threats in the cyber domain, immediate steps were needed to enhance our military cyber capabilities and to facilitate collaboration with our closest partners, allies and industry.
Reporting directly to the Chief of the Defence Staff and administered by the Digital Services Group, the CAF Cyber Command becomes the defence authority for cyber operations and will be responsible for:
- Integrating Force Employment, Force Generation, Force Sustainment, Force Management and Force Development of allocated cyber forces, including Signals Intelligence and Joint Electronic Warfare;
- Enabling pan-domain operations that are central to the conduct of modern warfare; and
- Supporting broader government efforts and strategic priorities.
As announced in Canada’s Defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free (ONSAF), the Department of National Defence and the CAF are enhancing offensive cyber capabilities by working with our key partners in NORAD, NATO and the Five Eyes.
This promotes a modern workforce – one that is strategically relevant, operationally focused and tactically decisive. As indicated in ONSAF, the CAF is laying the foundation for further collaboration with the Communications Security Establishment in the cyber domain, through the establishment of a joint cyber operations capability.
The CAF Cyber Command will play a pivotal role in maintaining Canada’s security in this digital era. The standing up of this organization represents a significant step towards achieving military and defence objectives, as well as international and national security objectives. The CAF Cyber Command’s formalization as a military command also reflects the extraordinary efforts of the military and civilian personnel who support achieving military objectives on behalf of the Government of Canada.
As a Defence Team, it is important we continue to adapt, innovate and lead in the face of emerging challenges.
General Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff
Stefanie Beck
Deputy Minister
