The decision to change the existing combat uniform is due to drying problems and poor integration with other operational equipment, as well as discolouration.[1] The Department of National Defence estimates the production rate would be about 24,000 ICU uniforms per year.
In October 2007, Department of National Defence approved the Identification of the Small Arms Replacement Project II (SARP II). The SARP II will deliver a modern, networked integrated direct fire, multi-effect, portable anti-personnel and anti-material capability that includes weapons, fire control, munitions, training systems and logistic support. SARP II's cost exceeds $1 Billion between 2012–2022.[2]
The Canadian Forces is developing a "stealth" snowmobile which can travel more than 15 km in electric mode or hybrid mode. $550,000 prototype tender awarded to CrossChasm Technologies of Waterloo, Ontario.[3][4]
The Canadian army will receive modernized C14 Timberwolf and C15 long-range sniper weapon sniper rifles. The two phases project included a new telescopic optical rifle sight, new semi-automatic sniper weapons (SASW), a new sniper rifle for training, ammunition, ballistic calculators, night vision (Image Intensified and Thermal Imagery: II-TI) for the rifle, new lightweight thermal and wet weather clothing and more.[5]
3D Dismounted Training System
Virtual Training
TBD
2023–2036
TBD
The project cost is estimated between $100–249 million to provide a realistic virtual environment for dismounted soldiers and tank crew.[6]
The project will provide new 84mm Smoke and Illumination ammunition for the existing Carl Gustav weapon system. The project cost is estimated between $20–49 million.[7]
84mm Carl Gustaf Upgrade
TBD
TBD
2019–2036
TBD
The project will replace the existing obsolete optical sight with a more sophisticated sighting system to improve accuracy, and which includes a target range finder. The project also include weapon simulator. The cost is estimated between $50–99 million.[8]
Active Protection System
TBD
TBD
2022–2036
TBD
The project will introduce new Active Protection System as per NATO STANAG 4686 for unspecific armoured fighting vehicle, which include sensors and counter-measure munitions. The project cost is estimated between $100–249 million.[9]
Active Radio Frequencies Protection Systems
TBD
TBD
2023–2036
TBD
Acquisition of sensor to detect radio frequency energy to detect improvised explosive devices (IED). The project cost is estimated between $50–99 million.[10]
Advanced Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Detection and Defeat
TBD
TBD
2019–2036
TBD
The project will examine land and air based remote system to detect and defeat land mine and improvised explosive devices. The project cost is estimated between $100–249 million.[11]
Advanced Sub-Unit Water Purification System
TBD
TBD
2016–2026
Rheinmetall Canada
Acquisition of water purification system for up to 250 soldiers. The project funding range is $100 million to $249 million.[12]
Advanced Water Supply System
TBD
TBD
2022–2036
TBD
The water supply system will replace the existing system with water system, storage and supply. The project cost is estimate between $50–99 million.[13]
Airspace Coordination Center Modernization
TBD
TBD
2017–2021
TBD
Modernization of LAV-III fleet with new computer and data link to improve network communication with Canadian forces and allied platforms. The project cost is estimated between $20–49 million.[14]
Anti Tank Guided Missile Replacement
TBD
TBD
2026–2036+
TBD
Replacement of existing anti-tank weapons with a new multi-purpose, anti-armour, anti-structure. The weapon will be both portable / mounted system. The project is estimate between $250–450 million.[15]
General utility armoured vehicle replacement of existing M113 and LAV-II (Bison) fleet
Will assist heavy- and light- armoured fighting vehicle on the battlefield.
New ACSV will have different configurations including: ambulance, command and control, and maintenance.[16]
Sole-sourced contract for 360 LAV 6.0 vehicles at a cost of $2 billion was signed in August 2019 with General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada, with deliveries starting in late 2020.[17][18]
Bridge and Gap Crossing Modernization
TBD
TBD
2018–2036
TBD
The project will deliver light, medium and heavy bridging equipment to replace existing equipment. The equipment includes: infantry foot bridges, light support bridges, medium support bridges, heavy support bridges, heavy assault bridges, line of communication bridges and floating bridges and rafts. The project cost is estimated between $100–249 million.[19]
Body Armour Modernization
TBD
TBD
2018–2036
TBD
The project will replace existing body armour with a new suite of light weight and modular armour. The project cost is estimated between $50–99 million.[20]
CF Land Electronic Warfare Modernization
TBD
TBD
2019–2036
TBD
The project includes new electronic warfare support, protection against electronic attack, counter-command and control electronic attack, electronic warfare planning and management and analysis, and electronic warfare vehicles. The project cost is estimated between $100–249 million.[21]
Soldier Helmet Modernization
TBD
TBD
2018–2036
NP Aerospace, Canada
The project will replace existing combat helmet with a modular and scalable combat helmet. The new combat helmet will improve blast, ballistic and blunt protection.
Project cost is estimated between $20–49 million dollars.[22]
Morgan Advanced Materials, was selected to provide their full-cut LASA AC914 for combat operations and the high-cut LASA AC915 for special operations.[23] NP Aerospace will supply the helmet over seven years.[24]
Night Vision System Modernization
TBD
TBD
2018–2025
TBD
The project included laser range finder, laser designator, thermal image, I2 tubes. The project will cost between $100–249 million.[25]
Light Utility Vehicle Project
TBD
TBD
2018–2036
TBD
Replacement of G-wagon and Chevrolet Silverado MilCOTS which are at end of useful lives. The cost is estimated between $100–249 million.[26]
Acquisition of 1000 Zetros 4x4 light trucks and approximately 500 Zetros 8x8 heavy trucks, and their associated mission equipment.[27] The project will cost $1.5 billion to purchase the equipment and up to $1.08 billion for support for up to 25 years.[28]
Next Generation Small Arms
TBD
TBD
2024–2036+
TBD
Replacement of existing weapons with new lightweight combat small arms which include: rifle, machine gun, advancing sights, fire control system, accessories and ammunition. The project cost is estimated between $250–499 million.[29]
Soldier System 2030
TBD
TBD
2025–2036+
TBD
The project includes a new Integrated Soldier System, combat uniform, sniper and weapons systems modernization. The cost is estimated between $100–249 million.[30]
Tank Life Extension
TBD
TBD
2022–2036
TBD
The Leopard 2 fleet requires a mid-life modernization by 2027. The cost is estimated between $100–249 million.[31]
Ground Based Air and Munitions Defence
TBD
TBD
2018–2036
TBD
The project will introduce a new, off-the-shelf weapon system to protect from a variety of air threats which include: radar, network and communication system as well as munition and weapon systems.[32]
Future Family of Unmanned Ground Vehicles
TBD
TBD
2022–2036
TBD
The project will deliver a fleet of non-lethal, unmanned ground vehicles (UGN) for search and rescue, CBRN, and casualty extraction.[33]
Light Armoured Vehicle Reconnaissance Surveillance System (LRSS)
Replacement for CH-124 Sea King. The first six aircraft were finally delivered in June 2015 followed by a further two Block 1.1 variants at the end of 2015. Current Block 1/1.1 models being updated to the Block 2 standard; Block 2 delivery began in 2018. Total of 23 aircraft delivered as of May 2021;[37] one lost due to crash in April 2020.[38]
Replacement for CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules search and rescue aircraft. In late 2016, the C-295 won the competition to replace the current aircraft.[40] In July 2019 the first C-295 completed its maiden flight. The first delivery took place at the end of 2019.[41] All aircraft were expected to be delivered by the end of 2022.[42] However, initial operating capability is delayed until 2025/26.[43]
Originally called Joint Unmanned Surveillance and Target Acquisition System.[44] The UAS will be used for surveillance of the maritime and northern approaches to Canada and support to search and rescue operations. When deployed overseas, the UAS will be capable of detecting, recognizing, identifying, and tracking targets of interest. It will have a precision strike capability.[45] On December 19, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that 11 MQ-9B would be acquired.[46]
Replacement for CC-150 Polaris.[47] In July 2022, the Government of Canada announced a deal to acquire two used Airbus A330-200s which would be modified to A330 MRTT configuration, with four more to be acquired later, for a total of six aircraft.[48] In July 2023, the order was increased to nine aircraft, eight of which will be MRTT and one for VIP transportation. Four aircraft will be purchased new from Airbus, with five aircraft purchased used from the commercial market.[49] The first aircraft was delivered in August 2023.[50]
The Snowbird Aircraft Replacement Project was replaced by the Tutor Life Extension Program implemented by L3 Harris. The program is intended to extend the use of the Canadian Forces’ Tutor fleet to 2030. Upgrades include modernized avionics and improved canopies.[51][52][53]
Replacement for the CP-140 Aurora. The project will provide a long range Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. The Department of National Defence and the Royal Canadian Air Force have determined that the P-8A Poseidon is the only aircraft that will meet the military’s requirements. Up to 16 are being considered at a cost of up to $5 billion. A letter of request for the acquisition price has been submitted to the U.S. government.[54][55] Canadian manufacturer Bombardier submitted an unsolicited bid to develop an aircraft to meet the CMMA requirements with General Dynamics.[56] On November 30, 2023, the Canadian government announced that they have finalized the purchase of 14 P-8A Poseidon aircraft, with an option for two more.[57]
Replacement for CF-188 Hornet. The project will acquire new fighter aircraft with a precision Air-to-Surface, Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground capacity. The future fighter aircraft will also have a non-traditional Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) for NORAD. The CF-188 Hornet end of useful life is estimated in 2025, though this required extension.[62] The JAS 39 Gripen E and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II were the final, of several, contenders to replace the aging fleet of CF-188 Hornet.[63] As of March 2022, Canada began initial negotiations with Lockheed Martin for 88 F-35As.[64][65] In December 2022 the Government of Canada placed an initial order for 16 F-35As.[66] On January 9 2023, the deal for the 88 jets was finalized.[67]
Tactical Reconnaissance Utility Helicopter
TBD
TBD
2021–2036
TBD
The project will deliver a new fleet of helicopter to replace the aging CH-146. The new helicopter will provide reconnaissance, aerial escort, fire support, light combat airlift for Canadian Army and Canadian Special Operations Force Command.[68] On April 8, 2024 the Government of Canada announced that $18.4 billion would be spent over 20 years, to acquire new tactical helicopters.[69]
Canada potentially plans to spend up to $5 billion on the acquisition of AEW&C capabilities. With the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail and the SAAB GlobalEye being candidates.[71]
The Joint Support Ship Project (abbreviated as JSS Project) is a project undertaken by the Canadian Forces to provide the Royal Canadian Navy with two multirole naval vessels. These vessels will enable a Naval Task Force to remain at sea for six times longer than is currently possible. The Joint Support ships will provide the RCN with a greater flexibility to conduct a wide range of operations both domestically and internationally. Originally announced in 2004, the Berlin-class AOR was selected on June 2, 2013.[72] Construction began in June 2018.[73]
On July 9, 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the construction of eight Polar Class 5 Arctic patrol ships capable of operations in ice. The estimated cost of 6–8 vessels is $4.3 billion including maintenance for 25 years.[74] As of June 2015, construction was underway of the first of up to 6 planned vessels.[75] The lead ship of the class, HMCS Harry Dewolf, was commissioned in July 2021.
Up to 58 remote weapons stations are to be delivered starting in 2017 for installation on the modernized Halifax-class frigates and the Protecteur-class auxiliary vessel, as well as for shore-based training.[77]
The Canadian Forces will receive a new radar able to provide a persistent active surveillance of ship traffic in the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone. The HFSWR is able to provides coverage beyond conventional line of sight radars. The $7 million project will be used to build and install a next-generation High Frequency Surface Wave Radar (HFSWR) system and will be based in Nova Scotia[78][79]
The Royal Canadian Navy will upgrade the current Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) point defence missile system on its Halifax Class frigates to the Block 2 version.[82]
In 2012, the government of Canada announced a $3-million to support research on USV technologies.[83][84] The status of the program was unknown as of 2021.
On July 7, 2024 the Government of Canada announced the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. The project plans to acquire up to 12 conventional (diesel-electric/AIP) submarines for the RCN.[85] On August 26, 2025, the government announced that the list of qualified bidders for the project had been narrowed to two: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems offering the Type 212CD, and Hanwha Ocean offering the KSS-III.[86][87]
Notes
^In 2025, the Canadian Army posted a RFI (request for information) regarding the purchase of a new self-propelled howitzer with its "Indirect Fire Modernization" programme.[35]:The requests include a top speed of 80km/h and an operational range of 450km which would exclude tracked vehicles. The request includes minimal lethality requirements:
Calibre: 155mm L/52
Range:
a range of at least 30 km with conventional munitions (M795)
a range of at least 40 km with a next generation base bleed projectile (M1128)
detect and neutralise close range threats in a direct fire role
Shoot and scoot capability:
a battery of 6 howitzers must engage a target with a minimum of 96 rounds and come out of action in less than a total of three minutes
howitzers must displace at least 500m in less than two minutes after firing in a tactical environment
fire and engage indirect targets while on the move
This last requirement makes the RCH-155 the only platform capable to fit all the requirements. The Piranha IV variant would be the most likely platform as it is part of the GDLS group, and Canada uses a derivative of the Piranha platform in its forces.
