Canadian Armed Forces deliver Military Cyber Security Operations Course to the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Press Release

January 16, 2026 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) will deliver the Military Cyber Security Operations Course (MCSOC) to their counterparts in the Philippines from January 19 to 23, 2026.

Sponsored by the Department of National Defence’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) and conducted in partnership with the Philippines’ Department of National Defense, the course supports regional cyber resilience and strengthens defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

MCSOC is a five-day introductory course that provides foundational knowledge in Defensive Cyber Operations. The training focuses on practical skills to help detect, assess and respond to malicious cyber activity targeting government and military networks. It reflects Canada’s defence objectives outlined in Our North, Strong and Free, which emphasizes cyber readiness, partnerships and regional stability.

Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Cyber Command and the Philippine Army Signal Regiment Cyber Battalion will take part. Their participation underscores the growing collaboration between Canada and the Philippines and builds on the momentum of the recently signed Canada–Philippines Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which enables closer and more predictable defence cooperation.

By delivering MCSOC, CAFCYBERCOM is helping develop local cyber expertise, enhance interoperability and support the Philippines in strengthening its national cyber defence posture. The initiative also advances Canada’s broader efforts to work with like-minded partners to address emerging threats and promote regional stability.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, CAFCYBERCOM is committed to sharing expertise, building trusted partnerships and contributing to collective cyber resilience at home and abroad.

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Quotes

“Cyber security is a shared responsibility, and strong partnerships are essential to defending our networks in an increasingly contested digital environment. By delivering the Military Cyber Security Operations Course in the Philippines, Canada is investing in practical cooperation that strengthens regional resilience, improves interoperability and supports a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.”

Major-General Dave Yarker, Commander, Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command

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Quick facts

• CAFCYBERCOM leads all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) cyber operations, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence activities. It helps protect Canada’s digital systems, carries out cyber operations and supports CAF operations at home and abroad.

• The MTCP is Canada’s primary mechanism for defence training and capacity building with select non-NATO partners.

• The MCSOC also includes legal instruction delivered with support from the Office of the Judge Advocate General, covering domestic and international legal frameworks for cyber operations, as well as emerging and current issues in cyber law.

• The training supports the objectives of Our North, Strong and Free and aligns with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.