The Torch
Illuminating Security and Defence Issues
Canada
Don’t get rid of old military equipment — pass it to new mobilization force, top general told
13 July, 2026
The military should review equipment it plans to get rid of and instead consider providing that gear to the new mobilization force, Canada’s top soldier has been told....
Canadian leaders call on Ottawa to support national youth service program with military training
13 July, 2026
A group of prominent Canadians is urging the federal government to support plans for a voluntary National Youth Service program that would include basic military training....
The Canadian Who Steered Europe Away From the U.S.
13 July, 2026
Facing threats from Trump, Mark Carney emerged as a central figure in a project to reshape the Western alliance....
Where Canada’s defence debate goes next
12 June, 2026
After years of debate, Canada has accepted that defence spending must rise to meet a more demanding NATO and global security environment....
Canada’s Mixed Fleet of F-35s and Gripens Would Actually Be a Big Advantage
12 June, 2026
'One fighter to rule them all' is a vulnerability...
Russia threatens Canada over Ukraine drone deal
12 June, 2026
Russia vowed to disclose the address of a Canadian defense firm after Ottawa signed a drone production deal with Ukraine....
Should Canada Join the JEF?
11 May, 2026
On 26th March, Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, participated in a virtual meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), the ten-country rapid response coalition dedicated to security in the High North. Following this, Gen. Jennie Carnigan, Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff, met with counterparts from JEF nations in London in early April. These actions suggest an increasing likelihood that Canada will join the JEF ...
Defence chief set to pitch ‘options’ for massive troop surge as military strains under its own limits
11 May, 2026
Gen. Jennie Carignan will present strategies to drastically expand CAF, but current targets remain elusive....
Why Canada is seeing its biggest military recruitment surge in 30 years
11 May, 2026
For decades, Canada was seen as a global laggard in defence funding, and just two years ago, recruitment was so dire that a former defence minister warned the armed forces were in a "death spiral". Now, the Canadian army is growing at a pace not seen in decades, reaching its highest number of recruits in 30 years and potentially reversing the chronic personnel shortage that has plagued the country's military....
Canada’s $150-billion challenge: How to build a homegrown defence sector and fast
8 April, 2026
Ottawa aims to prioritize domestic companies for military spending, if capacity and procurement hurdles can be overcome....