Those contributions have been quite extraordinary. Thank you for acknowledging that.
A number of weeks ago, the Prime Minister and I released Canada's new defence policy, “Our North, Strong and Free”, which is a renewed vision for Canada's defence. We developed this policy.
I'm here to talk to you about the main estimates. For some reason, my people are rather scrambling right now to pull that up, but I have that information in front of me. Thanks very much.
I'm pleased to join you today to provide an overview of the main estimates for the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Communications Security Establishment.
These estimates come at a rather critical time. Countries like Russia and China are challenging the rules-based international order; technological advances are enhancing the state's abilities to protect military might, and, of course, climate change is making Canada's north far more accessible. Each of these challenges has significant implications for the defence and security of our country and that of our allies and partners around the world.
We are going to meet these challenges while remaining responsible stewards of public funds. As such, we're requesting almost $30.6 billion through this year's main estimates. This represents a 15.46% increase over last year's main estimates and it's planned increases in operating funding, incremental funding for international operations, capital funding and in-service support funding, to highlight just a few of the planned expenditures.
We are also requesting just over $1 billion for the Communications Security Establishment, to further their foreign intelligence, cybersecurity and cyber mandate. These investments support the goals of Canada's new defence policy, “Our North, Strong and Free”, in defending Canada's values and global interests. I would like to provide you with an overview of some of the key items that we'll be presenting here today.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces support peace, freedom and democracy around the world. To further these efforts, we are requesting $797 million towards the following operations: Operation Reassurance, which supports NATO's assurance and deterrence measures in central and eastern Europe; Operation Unifier, which provides military training to the armed forces of Ukraine; Operation Impact, which is helping to build the military capabilities of Iran, Jordan and Lebanon, and Operation Artemis, which provides maritime security in the western Indian Ocean.
This funding also supports the continued implementation of the Indo-Pacific strategy, and beyond these lines of efforts we are also requesting $893.5 million in grants and contributions. This money will go towards initiatives like the military training co-operation program, which provides Ukraine with additional military aid and further supports, Operation Unifier and Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy through Operation Horizon.
It will also go towards NATO programs that help us defend Canada's interests and values while contributing to international peace and security. To carry out these critical operations and defend our interests, military members must be well equipped. We are, therefore, requesting $7.2 billion to ensure that they have the right capabilities to do their jobs, including up to 16 next-generation multi-mission aircraft through the Canadian multi-mission aircraft project, up to nine CC-330 multi-role tanker support aircraft through the strategic tanker transport capability project, an initial set of the 16 F-35 advanced fighter aircraft and associated equipment services through the future fighter capability project, and 15 ships as part of the Canadian surface combatant project, among other items.
Part of this funding will also go towards enhancing and strengthening the Canadian Armed Forces' digital capabilities and maintain software, boost cybersecurity, improve data management and foster innovation. Another $613 million will allow us to advance major capital acquisition projects like the point defence missile system upgrade and the lightweight torpedo upgrade. It will allow us to acquire short-range long-term missiles and replenish CAF ammunition and explosives that were donated to Ukraine.
None of this work would be possible without our military and civilian members. They are, of course, our greatest asset. We are requesting approximately $1.1 billion towards fair compensation for CAF members as reflected in the updated military pay and collective agreement, as well as $446 million towards the long-term disability payments and life insurance plans for CAF members and approximately $1.8 billion in contributions towards the employment benefit plans for military and civilian staff.
Mr. Chair and committee members, as part of the refocusing government spending initiative that was announced in budget 2023, we have included $613 million in approved reductions in these main estimates. These reductions are intended to minimize the impact on military resident readiness so that we stay effective in the rapidly evolving defence and security domain.
Thank you, and I'll be happy to take your questions.