Canada is creating a new centralized military command aimed at improving co-ordination, readiness and the speed at which the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can respond to evolving global threats.

The Canadian Joint Forces Command – officially launched this month – brings together several key “joint enabling functions” that were previously scattered across different branches of the military, Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad told CTV’s Your Morning Monday.

Modelled after similar structures in allied countries such as Australia and the U.K., the new command will oversee logistics, health services, operational sustainment and joint force development.

Serving as the inaugural commander, Molstad explained that while the Army, Navy and Air Force act as the “major organs” of Canada’s military body, it is the “joint enablers” that allow the whole system to function effectively.

“It’s the joint enablers that connect it all together to make sure that they get the blood supply, the logistics, to the point of need. You’ve got information and intelligence that is your eyes and ears making sense of the environment around you,” he said.

“You’ve got your medical system, which is also your immunity system, making sure your forces are healthy and ready to be conducting operations. Then, of course, command and control, which is like the nervous system, getting the right information to the right people at the right time,” Molstad added.

The move comes at a time when NATO allies, including Canada, have pledged to sharpen defence readiness and increase core military spending.

In June, Prime Minister Mark Carney committed that Canada – along with other NATO allies – will invest five per cent of GDP on defence by 2035, a pledge that will mean billions more in spending per year and the biggest increase since the Second World War.

The five per cent will be broken down into two parts, with the first 3.5 per cent aimed at core defence needs including jets and weapons, and the remaining 1.5 per cent on defence-related investments including infrastructure.

While the concept of a joint command has been studied for more than a decade, Molstad said today’s rapidly deteriorating global security landscape makes the shift urgent.

“Joint is the future. If you look at the major combat operations that are occurring throughout the world right now, there is a large army, navy, air force component to them, but it’s the joint capabilities that are actually making the big difference,” Molstad said.

Molstad emphasized that the early stages will be “resource neutral,” reorganizing subordinate units under one chain of command.

Over time, the Forces will look at potential growth and consolidation opportunities, including possible future integration of space or cyber capabilities – two domains that are becoming increasingly central to modern warfare, Molstad explained.

What will a quick win look like? While the plan will roll out in phases, Molstad said one priority is deploying counter-drone technologies on bases and wings across the country.

He pointed to incidents in Europe where unidentified drones have shut down commercial airfields – disruptions Canada aims to avoid in order to “protect our critical infrastructure.”