CAFCYBERCOM showcases new AI cyber tool at NATO exercise

March 30, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:45

By: Major Christopher Daniel, Senior Public Affairs Officer, CAFCYBERCOM

A Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) team has earned international recognition after successfully demonstrating a homegrown artificial intelligence-enabled cyber capability at NATO's Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise (CWIX) 2025 in Poland.

The capability, a Cyber Indications and Warning (I&W) tool, was designed and developed by five members of 33 Signals Regiment working on Class A time since January 2025. Their objective was to explore how large language models could support cyber operations through analysis, translation, and geolocation, while also enabling the seamless sharing of insights into a broader operational picture.

Over six months, the small team transformed an idea into a functional tool ready for deployment in a multinational environment. That opportunity came in June during CWIX 2025, a three-week NATO exercise focused on testing interoperability and advancing emerging capabilities.

Working closely with cyber teams from across the Alliance, the Canadian contingent collaborated with CAFCYBERCOM's Cyber Intelligence Force Development (FD) to test and refine the tool in real-world scenarios. The effort marked a milestone for Canadian cyber innovation, as the team was the only participant in the cyber portion of the exercise to employ an AI-driven capability.

Interest from allies was immediate and sustained throughout the exercise, with senior leaders and partner nations frequently requesting demonstrations.

"This project shows what is possible when you empower small, motivated teams to experiment and deliver," said Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Liam Robertson of CAFCYBERCOM's Cyber Intelligence Force Development. "They took a concept and rapidly turned it into a capability that not only works, but adds value in a complex, multinational environment."

A key objective of the project was to demonstrate how cyber intelligence could be more effectively integrated into the National Common Operating Picture, contributing to a more comprehensive Cyber Common Operating Picture. The team's work highlighted how AI can accelerate the processing of cyber data and improve situational awareness for decision makers.

"The integration piece is critical," added LCol Robertson. "It is not just about generating insights, but about getting the right information to the right place at the right time so commanders can act on it."

The innovation did not go unnoticed. The project was selected for the CWIX Innovation Spotlight, a recognition reserved for capabilities that show significant promise and impact. It also generated strong engagement from the broader AI development community supporting NATO efforts.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, initiatives like this demonstrate how Canadian personnel are contributing cutting-edge solutions alongside allies.