Report

The Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA or the association) has the honour to present this report on its participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) visit of the Sub-Committee on Future Security and Defence Capabilities (DSCFC) to Boston, Massachusetts, New Haven Connecticut and New York, New York, United States of America from March 11 to 15, 2024. The association was represented by Senator Rebecca Patterson, vice-chair of the DSCFC and one of CANA's counsellors.

THE NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

Established in 1955, the NATO PA is an interparliamentary organization that brings together legislators from the national parliaments of the member countries of NATO[1], as well as 10 associate member countries[2]. It is institutionally separate and independent from the official NATO structure but serves as a liaison for NATO and member parliaments[3]. The NATO PA aims to strengthen parliamentary awareness, understanding and oversight of defence and security issues, while also enhancing the transparency of NATO policies. The Assembly also plays a significant role in deepening the transatlantic relationship that underpins the NATO Alliance.

The NATO PA Defence and Security Committee is one of five thematic Committees whose members hear from defence and security experts and conduct fact-finding missions throughout the year, which culminate in the drafting of reports and resolutions. The draft reports and resolutions are considered during NATO PA Sessions.

Originally known as the Military Committee, the broader mandate of the Defence and Security Committee (DSC) addresses the military aspects of Alliance security. In general, the Committee examines Alliance transformation, capabilities, ongoing operations, near and long-term threat perspectives, as well as partnerships and programs to find how NATO can continually improve its readiness, effectiveness, and interoperability.

INTRODUCTION

Between March 11 and 15, 2024, Senator Rebecca Patterson joined 19 parliamentarians from 14 different NATO member states in a visit to three cities in the United States of America.

In light of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, renewed conflict in the Middle East and beyond, and the escalation of great power competition, the international rules-based order – and the multilateral system underpinning it – is increasingly under strain. With the U.S. industrial base in the international spotlight and American diplomatic leadership needed, the visit was shaped to address the following main themes:

• U.S. Defence Industrial Base Adaptation and Emerging Defence Technologies;

• Global Security Challenges and the Impact on the United Nations System; and United States Foreign Policy Priorities in 2024

Topics of focus during the visits were:

• The United States’ Expanding Defence Industrial Base
  • Next-Generation Solutions
  • Inter-Allied Integrated Air and Missile Defence Cooperation
  • Advanced Helicopter and Fixed-Wing Aircraft
  • Advanced Maritime Platforms

• Geopolitical Dynamics Within the United Nations Amidst Increasing Global Challenges
  • Views from the United Nations’ Security Council
  • Challenges to Arms-Control, Non-Proliferation, and Disarmament Governance
  • State of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

• United States Perspectives on Global Security Challenges
  • American Foreign Policy Priorities in 2024

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
MONDAY, MARCH 11 AND TUESDAY MARCH 12, 2024

Highlights of the programme elements:

• Briefing on Inter-Allied Integrated Air and Missile Defence Cooperation and Raytheon’s Ongoing Priorities

• Visit of Raytheon RTX Factory

• Briefing on Future Defence Technologies at MIT

• Briefings from MIT Lincoln Laboratory Representatives on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, and Fusion

• Tour and Visit MIT Media Lab

NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024

Highlights of programme elements:

• Overview of Sikorsky Aircraft’s Current Priorities: Industrial Relations and Cooperation with European Allies, X2 Technology, Blackhawk and Seahawk Aircraft

• Sikorsky Aircraft Facility Tour: CH-53K & Black Hawk Production

NEW YORK, NEW YORK
THURSDAY, MARCH 14 AND FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024

Highlights of programme elements:

• Welcome remarks from the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Poland to the United Nations

• NATO and the United Nations

• The Impact of Russia’s War Against Ukraine on Political Dynamics at the United Nations

• State of Ongoing United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

• Political Challenges for the United Nations in the Face of Growing Global Security Challenges

• Threats to the Global Arms-Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation Architecture

• Black Sea Security and Perspectives on Conflicts in the Middle East at the United Nations

• U.S. Policymaker Perspectives on the China Challenge

• American Foreign Policy Priorities in 2024 and Approach to Ongoing Global Conflicts

SUMMARY

The visit of the Subcommittee on Future Defence Capabilities to the United States was an informative and beneficial visit. As the United States is Canada’s most significant partner both economically within the defence and security domain, the visit allowed for issues of Canadian interest related to the topics presented, to be discussed with global leaders and influencers in the field.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Dzerowicz, M.P.
Chair, Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association