Partners lay out roadmap for NORAD modernisation
An F-22 Raptor assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson intercepts a Russian Tu-95 bomber on 9 June 2020. (Photo: NORAD)
Canada and the US commit to invest in technologies and systems to overhaul NORAD.
Canada and the US have reiterated their joint commitment to modernise the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) missile warning system.
In a statement on 14 August, Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin agreed to ‘move forward deliberately with coordinated investments [including R&D] that reflect the continuing importance of the role that NORAD plays in North American and allied deterrence, and in maintaining North America as a secure base for active engagement around the world’.
They added: ‘This work is to be advanced through ongoing engagements between DND and DoD.’
Canada and the US will prioritise enhancing situational awareness, especially in the northern and maritime approaches to the North American landmass.
This work will include replacing the North Warning System with more advanced technology with a system-of-systems approach ‘as soon as possible, including next-generation over-the-horizon radar systems that can dramatically improve early warning and persistent surveillance of North American airspace and approaches’.
NORAD C2 will be modernised to ‘better fuse and integrate data from all-domain sensors into a common, comprehensive operating picture, enabling faster and better informed decision-making’, Sajjan and Austin added.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: Lockheed says TR-3 upgrade “closing in” on completion]()
Paris Air Show 2025: Lockheed says TR-3 upgrade “closing in” on completion
The TR-3 configured F-35 aircraft have rolled off production lines since July 2024, but are still not yet combat capable and are still awaiting final sign-off for the software upgrade.
-
![Spanish Army’s VAMTAC drone acquisition progresses ongoing UAV investment]()
Spanish Army’s VAMTAC drone acquisition progresses ongoing UAV investment
Spain has made clear its intent to acquire a range of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), including those that will form part of its wider VAMTAC programme, announced in June 2025.
-
![Further funding allocated for Eurofighter Typhoon ECRS Mk2 radar programme]()
Further funding allocated for Eurofighter Typhoon ECRS Mk2 radar programme
The latest tranche of funding from the UK government comes ahead of the radar's integration into Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from 2028.
-
![M-345 officially enters service as trainer for Italian Air Force]()
M-345 officially enters service as trainer for Italian Air Force
The Leonardo M-345 High-Efficiency Trainer (HET) basic/advanced trainer is similar to the M-346, which is the second part of the Italian Air Force’s training system, but is a substantially smaller and less powerful aircraft.
-
![Belgium’s F-35A order progresses at it awaits first jet delivery by late 2025]()
Belgium’s F-35A order progresses at it awaits first jet delivery by late 2025
The first aircraft delivery timeline confirmation comes as Belgium weighs up an additional F-3A buy from Lockheed Martin.
-
![Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance]()
Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
