Senior Military Representative – Indo-Pacific
What we do
The Senior Military Representative – Indo-Pacific (SMR-IP) supports the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) engagement across the Indo-Pacific region on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS).
The SMR-IP:
- represents the CDS in the Indo-Pacific during engagements with:
- defence leaders
- regional organizations
- partner countries
- leads strategic military engagement with:
- allies
- regional partners
- aligns CAF activities in the region with Government of Canada priorities
- strengthens defence cooperation through:
- senior-level military dialogue
- multilateral engagement
- partnership development
- promotes interoperability by strengthening military coordination and collaboration with regional and international partners
- contributes to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific that is free and open, inclusive, stable, and governed by the rule of law
- complements defence diplomacy efforts, including:
- Canadian diplomatic missions
- Canadian Defence Attachés
- other Government of Canada partners across the region
Canada’s defence engagement in the Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific region plays an important role in shaping Canada's future security, economic success and international partnerships.
Through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada is strengthening its defence presence and working closely with allies and partners in the region to address shared security challenges.
Canada is committed to long-term defence engagement that supports:
- regional stability
- international cooperation
- a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific
The CAF contributes by:
- continuous presence in the region, including Royal Canadian Navy vessels and Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft
- participating in multinational exercises and operational activities with allies and regional partners
- defence training initiatives to strengthen resilience, readiness, and interoperability
- supporting initiatives related to Women, Peace and Security
- expanding cooperation on cyber defence and regional capacity-building initiatives
These efforts support long-term cooperation and reinforce Canada’s role as a reliable defence partner.
Working with Canadian partners in the region
Canada has an established defence presence across the Indo-Pacific region. This includes Canadian Defence Attachés, who are posted to Canadian embassies and focus on defence relationships with their host countries.
SMR-IP works with Canadian partners to:
- coordinate efforts across Canadian diplomatic missions and defence representatives
- support a coherent and integrated approach to Canada’s defence engagement in the region
The SMR-IP does not replace the responsibilities of Canadian Heads of Mission or Defence Attachés and does not exercise command or operational control over deployed CAF personnel.
Latest news
- Strengthening Canada's defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific
- Canada and the Philippines take defence cooperation to new heights
- CAF participates in MILOPS 2026 to advance Canada's security through Indo-Pacific partnerships
- One team, many nations: Canada's significant contribution to RIMPAC 2026
- Pacific Partnership 2026: Canadians making a difference across the Indo-Pacific
Caption
In summer 2026, General Hiroaki Uchikura, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, receives Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay, the Canadian Armed Forces’ Senior Military Representative – Indo-Pacific, for a courtesy call in Tokyo, Japan.
Related Links
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
- Operation HORIZON
- Operation NEON
- Operation PROJECTION
- Operation RENDER SAFE