Canadian Armed Forces to Continue Investments in Modernization

CALGARY – The commander of the Canadian Armed Forces stated on Wednesday, during a defense industry conference, that the Canadian Armed Forces will continue their purchases and investments as part of a modernization process.

In the 2025 federal budget, $81.8 billion has been allocated over five years for new spending to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces.

“I certainly would not talk about excessive spending,” said Lieutenant-General Michael Charles Wright to journalists at the DEFSEC West conference on security and aerospace.

“Ultimately, we need to ensure we manage resources responsibly. And I can assure you that every dollar spent by the Canadian Armed Forces will contribute to ensuring that our soldiers are ready for combat,” he said.

Canada has committed to increase its defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2025-2026, then to 5% by 2035.

“The modernization of the army aims to equip soldiers with the necessary training, capabilities, and structure to fight and win on the battlefields of today and tomorrow,” explained Mr. Wright.

“This work starts at home, with each of us. We must be able to produce and maintain effects as members of an allied ground force. The modernization of the army is essential to defend Canada in a more conflictual and uncertain security context,” he assured.

Mr. Wright indicated that the Canadian Armed Forces are pursuing nearly 50 major capital projects, including the acquisition of more powerful weapons, long-range precision strike systems, and an expanded ground-based air defense system to protect critical infrastructure in regions like the Arctic.

He also emphasized the need to increase the size of the Canadian Armed Forces.

“Our top priority right now is the personnel: recruiting more soldiers and ensuring they receive the necessary training. We are currently studying the equipment we want to acquire,” Mr. Wright told journalists. “We need to find a balance between the capabilities we will develop in the long term and those we can implement in the short term.”

Mr. Wright also highlighted the growing importance of the Arctic.

“We are committed to making the necessary investments in the North for national sovereignty, but our actions in the North will not be limited to the Canadian Armed Forces,” he explained. “It will involve close collaboration within the federal government, working with the territories and communities of the North.”