White Paper on National Defence and Security
White Paper on National Defence and Security
Republic of Newfoundland — 2025 Edition
Issued by the Ministry of Culture & Communications and the Ministry of Defence & National Security
Presented to the House of Assembly, St. John’s, 31 March 2025 (Restoration Day)
Foreword
For over half a century as a republic, and more than seven decades as a founding member of NATO, the Republic of Newfoundland has defended its sovereignty, secured its seas, and strengthened the peace of the North Atlantic.
Our forces — sea, air, land, and cyber — remain small in size but unmatched in discipline and readiness.
This White Paper reaffirms our enduring commitment: to safeguard the homeland, honour our alliances, and invest in the technologies that ensure freedom in the age of uncertainty.
“Our defence is not an act of aggression but of endurance. We guard the edge so the centre may sleep.”
— President Margaret Crocker, Restoration Day Address, 2025
1. Strategic Environment
1.1 The North Atlantic Context
The Republic of Newfoundland occupies one of the world’s most strategically vital geographies — controlling air and sea routes between North America and Europe.
The melting Arctic, renewed Russian naval presence, and growing competition for subsea resources have placed unprecedented demands upon our maritime patrol, cyber surveillance, and allied coordination capabilities.
1.2 Allied Commitments
Newfoundland is a founding member of NATO and a core participant in a close transatlantic intelligence partnership with the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Our contributions — in signals intelligence, submarine tracking, and Arctic weather monitoring — remain integral to the collective defence of the North Atlantic and wider allied community.
1.3 Domestic Priorities
The Republic’s defence posture prioritizes:
- Protection of the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- Airspace and aerospace sovereignty via the Newfoundland Aerospace Authority (NAA).
- Cyber resilience for civilian and military networks.
- Support to civil power, humanitarian relief, and disaster response.
2. Defence Policy Objectives
The Republic’s National Defence Policy rests upon four enduring pillars:
- Sovereignty: Maintain full control of Newfoundland and Labrador territory, airspace, and maritime zones.
- Security: Ensure readiness to respond to threats including cyberattack, illegal incursions, and terrorism.
- Alliance: Contribute specialized northern capability to NATO and allied intelligence cooperation.
- Sustainability: Operate an efficient, well-trained, technologically advanced defence force without overreach.
3. Force Structure
The Newfoundland Armed Forces (NAF) are organized into three branches under the Chief of Defence Staff and the Ministry of Defence & National Security.
3.1 Royal Newfoundland Army (RNA)
The land force of the Republic, consisting of:
- Royal Newfoundland Regiment (RNR): 2 regular battalions and 1 reserve, headquartered in St. John’s.
- Royal Newfoundland Artillery (RNA): 3 batteries (field, air defence, and coastal).
- Royal Newfoundland Armour (RNAR): 1 mechanized reconnaissance regiment.
- Royal Newfoundland Engineers (RNE): 2 combat-engineer battalions, specializing in Arctic infrastructure and disaster response.
3.2 Royal Newfoundland Navy (RNN)
Headquartered at Argentia Naval Base, the RNN maintains:
- 6 × NS-201 Bonavista-class Offshore Patrol Vessels.
- 2 × NS-301 Churchill-class Arctic-capable submarines.
- 4 × Coastal Defence and Mine Countermeasure craft.
The Navy’s focus remains EEZ enforcement, Arctic patrol, and anti-submarine warfare within NATO North Atlantic Command.
3.3 Royal Newfoundland Air Force (RNAF)
Headquartered at Goose Bay Air Command, with detachments at Gander and St. John’s:
| Designation | Type | Role |
|---|---|---|
| NF-39 Arctic Hawk | Multi-role Fighter | Air defence and strike |
| NF-140 Aurora II | Maritime Patrol Aircraft | ASW and surveillance |
| NC-130 Hercules II | Tactical Airlift | Strategic transport and humanitarian |
| NH-149 Cormorant II | Helicopter | Long-range SAR |
| NH-92 Viking | Helicopter | Utility / troop lift |
| NU-18 Horizon | UAV | ISR and patrol |
3.4 Cyber Defence Command (CDC)
Formed in 2008, headquartered at Argentia.
Responsibilities include cyber warfare, network resilience, electronic intelligence, and coordination with allied partners.
4. Defence Industry and Research
4.1 National Defence Research Agency (NDRA)
The NDRA leads R&D in radar, sensor fusion, and Arctic environmental systems.
In cooperation with Memorial University and Argentia Systems Ltd., it develops indigenous software, avionics, and data security technologies.
4.2 Industrial Base
- Marystown Naval Works: patrol vessels and submarine maintenance.
- Gander Aerospace Centre: aircraft overhaul and composite manufacturing.
- Corner Brook Ordnance Plant: precision munitions and artillery production.
The defence sector contributes approximately 3.2 billion NFD annually to GDP.
5. Budget and Procurement
5.1 Overview
Defence spending remains fixed at 3 % of GDP, ensuring long-term predictability and self-reliance.
| Category | Allocation (2025) | % of Defence Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel & Training | 1.9 B NFD | 30 % |
| Equipment & Modernization | 2.3 B NFD | 36 % |
| Operations & Maintenance | 1.5 B NFD | 24 % |
| Research & Development | 0.6 B NFD | 10 % |
5.2 Modernization Priorities (2025–2030)
- Replacement of two Bonavista-class patrol vessels.
- Development of a Next-Generation Arctic UAV (NU-25) platform.
- Renewal of communications and air-defence radar systems.
- Expansion of joint simulation training at Goose Bay.
6. International Cooperation
6.1 Bilateral Defence Treaty with the United States
Provides for joint training, base access, and equipment standardization while affirming Newfoundland’s sovereign command of its forces.
6.2 NATO and Allied Intelligence Cooperation
Newfoundland contributes personnel