Canada to install 47 Arctic sensor stations under Project Crossbow

Canada's National Defence plans to deploy 47 passive sensor stations across the Arctic to enhance NORAD's surveillance and early warning capabilities. Known as Project Crossbow, the initiative is scheduled to begin as early as next summer, with initial operating capability expected by 2029.

The installations will span from the Yukon near the Alaskan border, through the Northwest Territories, to Alert, Nunavut. The sensors, which resemble large shipping containers on metal legs, will be airlifted into position using Hercules aircraft and Chinook helicopters.

Designed for extreme Arctic conditions, the autonomous, unstaffed stations will operate using solar and wind power. This project is part of a multi-billion dollar federal investment to modernize NORAD equipment under the Northern Approaches Surveillance system.