Director General Pete Saunders

Integrated Air and Missile Defence Royal Canadian Air Force

Mr Saunders enrolled in the Canadian Forces on 23 March 1990. During a distinguished and unconventional military career, he served in a variety of operational and leadership roles within the Royal Canadian Air Force. A Sea King Helicopter pilot and instructor, he held several flying appointments before culminating his operational service as Commanding Officer of 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron (406 (M) OTS). His staff experience included two postings in Career Management, where he was responsible for the professional development and management of approximately 300 Lieutenant-Colonels and oversight of nearly 10,000 other RCAF personnel. He also served in the Chief of Programme office, gaining experience in defence resource management and departmental planning. From 2017 to 2023, Mr Saunders served on Air Staff, leading the management and development of contracted aircrew training programs supporting RCAF operational readiness and capability development. Following his retirement from the RCAF and transfer to the Department of National Defence, he continued supporting key defence initiatives, including oversight of RCAF contracted training programs, leadership of the RCAF component of NORAD modernization, and responsibility for the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defence office. Mr Saunders is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College and NATO Defence College and holds degrees in science, business administration, and defence studies.