CAFA at the CDAI Ottawa Conference: Key Insights from March 4-5, 2026

Airborne community, check out this report from the recent Conference of Defence Associations Institute (CDAI) in Ottawa! CAFA was proudly represented by Col (Retd) Bruce Ewing and Col (Retd) Jim Holsworth, joining CDAI Chair Gen (Retd) Tom Lawson and RKUSI reps for vital discussions on Canada's defence future.

Highlights:

• Covered global threats, NATO, Indo-Pacific, Arctic, procurement, continental defence, innovation, joint integration, readiness, and modernization.

• Keynote on Canada's middle-power challenges amid Middle East events by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

• Optimistic 'Road to 5%' theme shifting focus to operational readiness and mission command.

• Urgent needs: Fill gaps, accelerate procurement, strengthen industry, and boost service motivation after 30 years of depletion.

• CDS emphasis on troops, whole-of-society service, and national mobilization.

• CAFA's airborne capability paper got positive feedback—soon on the CDAI site! Parachute and aerial delivery will fuel talks at the Airborne Weekend in Trenton, May 22-23, 2026.

In our first year as CDAI members, CAFA made a strong impact on national defence dialogue. All the Way! 🇨🇦

Want the details? Download the full PDF report below:

26 03 06 Report on CDAI Conference 4-5 Mar 26.pdf

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