Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) for the quarter ended September 30, 2025
On this page
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Highlights of fiscal-quarter and fiscal-year-to-date results
- 3. Risks and uncertainties
- 4. Significant changes in relation to programs, operations and personnel
Tables
- Year-to-date variances in authorities available for use (in millions of dollars)
- Year-to-date variances in net budgetary expenditures (presented by standard object) (in millions of dollars)
- Table 1: Statement of authorities (unaudited) for the quarter ended September 30, 2025
- Table 2: Departmental budgetary expenditures by standard object (unaudited) for the quarter ended September 30, 2025
1. Introduction
This quarterly report has been prepared by management as required by section 65.1 of the Financial Administration Act in the form and manner prescribed by the Treasury Board. This report should be read in conjunction with the Main Estimates – 2025–26 Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025–26. This report has not been subject to an external audit or review.
Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada is Canada’s updated defence policy that seeks to strengthen the foundations of the military as well as deter and defeat new and accelerating threats with new capabilities. The renewed vision is focused on meeting these challenges by:
- Asserting Canadian sovereignty: The top priority of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is the defence of Canada and Canadians with the overall objective of ensuring Canada’s military has the people, equipment, training and infrastructure needed to detect, deter and defeat threats in, over and approaching Canada—in the air, on land, on and under the sea, and in space and cyberspace.
- Defending North America: Prioritizing the defence of Canada also contributes to deterring and defeating threats to the continent that is shared with the United States, Canada’s closest ally.
- Advancing Canada’s global interests and values: The international order that underpins Canada’s security and prosperity is endangered by the forces of competition and instability. To help safeguard Canada, the CAF will continue to make valuable contributions to global efforts to deter major power conflict, confront terrorism and insurgency, and address instability.
- A strategic approach to national security: Instability at home and abroad is increasing quickly. Canada will adapt its approach to security and defence to be prepared for these challenges that will include unanticipated developments, with technological disruption and geopolitical shocks complicating the ability to plan. Canada will therefore adapt faster and in a more integrated manner to ensure the advancement of Canadian interests and remain secure and prosperous in years to come.
The Department continues to carry out its mandate to achieve results related to six core responsibilities as well as internal services. A summary description of these core responsibilities can be found in the Departmental Plan 2025–26.
1.1. Basis of presentation
This quarterly report has been prepared by management using an expenditure basis of accounting. The accompanying statement of authorities includes National Defence (DND) spending authorities granted by Parliament and used by DND consistent with the Main Estimates and the Supplementary Estimates (A) for the 2025–26 fiscal year. This quarterly report has been prepared using a special-purpose financial reporting framework designed to meet financial information needs with respect to the use of spending authorities.
The authority of Parliament is required before money can be spent by the Government. Approvals are given in the form of annually approved limits through appropriation acts, or through legislation in the form of statutory spending authority for specific purposes.
DND uses the full accrual method of accounting to prepare and present its annual consolidated departmental financial statements, which are part of the departmental results reporting process. However, the spending authorities voted by Parliament remain on an expenditure basis. The main difference between the quarterly financial reports and the consolidated departmental financial statements is the timing of when revenues and expenses are recognized. The quarterly financial report includes revenues only when the money is received and expenses only when the money is paid out. The consolidated departmental financial statements report revenues when they are earned and expenses when they are incurred. In the latter case, revenues are recorded even if cash has not been received and expenses are incurred even if cash has not yet been paid out.
2. Highlights of fiscal-quarter and fiscal-year-to-date results
This section provides financial highlights and explanations for differences between the fiscal- quarter and fiscal-year-to-date results for the quarter ended on September 30, 2025, and the results of the same period last year.
2.1. Statement of authorities
When compared to those of the same period of the previous year, DND’s year-to-date budgetary authorities available for use have increased by $13,646.7 million. As reflected in Table 1: Statement of authorities, the total budgetary authorities increased from $31,322.0 million in 2024–25 to $44,968.7 million in 2025–26. As part of Canada’s commitment to increase and accelerate its investments in defence to reach 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), there were increases in appropriations for various initiatives accessed through the 2025–26 Supplementary Estimates (A). Additional reasons for the changes are outlined below.
| Initiative | Operating (Vote 1) |
Capital (Vote 5) |
Grants and contributions (Vote 10) |
Budgetary statutory authorities | Total variancesFootnote * |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital equipment and infrastructure projects | 68.7 | 3,589.4 | 3.9 | 14.5 | 3,676.5 |
| Funding for recruitment, retention and support programs for the Canadian Armed Forces | 2,070.6 | 31.6 | 0.3 | 441.2 | 2,543.8 |
| Contributions in support of the Military Training and Cooperation Program | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2,115.9 | 0.0 | 2,115.9 |
| Funding for defence research and development and support for the Canadian defence industry | 635.6 | 0.0 | 1,425.5 | 1.3 | 2,062.4 |
| National Procurement Program | 949.5 | 132.8 | 0.0 | 5.6 | 1,087.9 |
| Future Aircrew Training Program | 71.2 | 327.6 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 399.2 |
| Halifax-Class Life Sustainment | 261.6 | 71.6 | 0.0 | 4.7 | 337.9 |
| Operation and sustainment (fleet maintenance) of military capabilities and operating requirements | 318.9 | 2.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 321.6 |
| North American Aerospace Defense Command Modernization – Science and Technology Initiatives | 202.6 | 54.0 | 18.0 | 1.5 | 276.0 |
| Infrastructure Maintenance, Repair and Sustainment | 147.9 | 70.8 | 0.0 | 2.1 | 220.7 |
| Underwater Surveillance System | 206.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 206.6 |
| Funding for digital tools and capabilities | 90.2 | 90.0 | 0.0 | 7.7 | 187.9 |
| Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar | 5.7 | 138.4 | 10.0 | 1.2 | 155.3 |
| Advanced Short-Range Missiles and Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles | 142.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 142.6 |
| Funding for Identification and Options Analysis | 125.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.9 | 130.8 |
| Heyder-Beattie Class Action | (59.4) | 0.0 | 0.0 | (2.7) | (62.1) |
| Miscellaneous departmental requirements | (79.8) | (17.6) | (18.5) | (40.5) | (156.4) |
| Cumulative variance in authorities available for use | 5,158.3 | 4,491.2 | 3,555.2 | 441.9 | 13,646.7 |
Note: Numbers may not add up due to rounding.
The year-to-date net increase in authorities of $13,646.7 million over the second quarter in 2024–25 can be explained by variances in funding for a number of initiatives:
Capital equipment and infrastructure projects (increase of $3,676.5 million)
The net increase in funding is due to modifications to the multi-year spending profile of capital equipment and infrastructure projects. These adjustments serve to align financial resources with project acquisition timelines. The increase is mainly related to the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft project, the Joint Support Ship project, the River-Class Destroyer project, and the Future Fighter Capability project. This increase is partially offset by decreases related to the Hornet Extension project and the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project.
Funding for recruitment, retention and support programs for the Canadian Armed Forces (increase of $2,543.8 million)
Investments in recruitment and retention efforts to ensure that the CAF has the personnel it needs to be ready to respond effectively to threats at home and engage meaningfully abroad.
Contributions in Support of the Military Training and Cooperation Program (increase of $2,115.9 million)
The net increase is largely related to increased funding to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty from the Russian invasion.
Funding for defence research and development and support for the Canadian defence industry (increase of $2,062.4 million)
This funding is aimed at strengthening the Government’s relationship with Canada’s defence industry to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive Defence Industrial Strategy. These actions focus on immediate needs like reducing obstacles that currently limit industry’s ability to provide critical equipment and support to the CAF.
National Procurement Program (increase of $1,087.9 million)
Funding to support increased levels of activity within the National Procurement (NP) Program. NP is responsible for maintaining the operational readiness of approximately 100 existing CAF fleets, including aircraft, ships, tanks, and other military equipment. The increase includes incremental funding approved in Budget 2024 and accessed in the 2025–26 Main Estimates as well as additional funding accessed through Supplementary Estimates (A).
Future Aircrew Training Program (increase of $399.2 million)
Funding for the delivery of flight training for current and future Royal Canadian Air Force aircrew and for the procurement of training aircraft and associated ground-based training systems.
Halifax-Class Life Sustainment (increase of $337.9 million)
This funding was approved in Budget 2024 for the continued sustained maintenance of the Halifax-class frigates until the delivery of their replacement—the River-class destroyers. The increase is mainly due to receiving funding earlier in the year via the 2025–26 Main Estimates whereas, in 2024–25, funding was requested later in the year through Supplementary Estimates (B).
Operation and sustainment (fleet maintenance) of military capabilities and operating requirements (increase of $321.6 million)
In order to provide ongoing support for operating and capital requirements, DND received additional funding to offset sustainment growth and the inflationary impact on the defence budget.
North American Aerospace Defense Command Modernization – Science and Technology Initiatives (increase of $276.0 million)
This funding will support the deepening of expertise and knowledge to inform the development of future capabilities to defend Canada and North America and will be used to fund a suite of science and technology initiatives for the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The increase is partially due to receiving funding earlier in the year via the 2025–26 Main Estimates whereas, in 2024–25, funding was requested later in the year through Supplementary Estimates (B).
Infrastructure Maintenance, Repair and Sustainment (increase of $220.7 million)
Funding for the repair and sustainment of existing DND/CAF infrastructure in order to maximize operational readiness and support CAF members. This includes funding approved in Budget 2024 and accessed in the 2025–26 Main Estimates to mitigate impacts of infrastructure deterioration and a backlog of deferred maintenance across DND’s real property portfolio.
Underwater Surveillance System (increase of $206.6 million)
Funding to contribute to the defence of Canadian maritime approaches, including undersea monitoring and surveillance of the North Atlantic.
Funding for digital tools and capabilities (increase of $187.9 million)
This funding will strengthen DND/CAF’s digital foundations to ensure that the Defence Team is a relevant and modern workforce in today’s technological era. It will enable DND/CAF to be more resilient to cyber threats and leverage data strategically to improve decision making, while keeping defence information safe and secure.
Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (increase of $155.3 million)
Funding for advancing a national radar system capability in coordination with the United States’ solutions, which will make a significant contribution to NORAD modernization, providing enhanced radar coverage of Canada’s northern and northeastern approaches, which will cover approaches to both Canadian and American national capital regions.
Advanced Short-Range Missiles and Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (increase of $142.6 million)
Funding for the procurement of advanced short-range missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles, including spare parts, training, software, and technical support. The increase is mainly due to receiving funding earlier in the year via the 2025–26 Main Estimates whereas, in 2024–25, funding was requested later in the year through Supplementary Estimates (B).
Funding for Identification and Options Analysis (increase of $130.8 million)
Funding for projects in the pre-definition phase—that is at the stage of conducting identification and options analysis (ID/OA). This includes an increase in ID/OA funding for initiatives approved in Budget 2024, for example Airborne Early Warning and Control as well as Northern Operational Support Hub initiatives, partially offset by a decrease in ID/OA funding approved in Budget 2022 for NORAD modernization initiatives.
Heyder-Beattie Class Action (decrease of $62.1 million)
The Heyder-Beattie class action sought damages related to gender-based discrimination, sexual assault and sexual harassment. The funding decrease is due to reduced settlement payments to claimants.
Miscellaneous departmental requirements (decrease of $156.4 million)
The net decrease is due to lower operating budget carry forward in 2025–26 compared to 2024–25.
2.2. Departmental budgetary expenditures by standard object
When compared to those of the same quarter of the previous fiscal year, DND’s year-to-date total net budgetary expenditures have increased by $1,857.1 million. As reflected in Table 2: Departmental budgetary expenditures by standard object, the expenditures increased from $13,473.5 million in 2024–25 to $15,330.6 million in 2025–26.
| Standard object | 2025–26 Year-to-date used at quarter end |
2024–25 Year-to-date used at quarter end |
Year-to-date variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition of machinery and equipment | 3,823.9 | 2,509.0 | 1,314.9 |
| Personnel | 6,396.4 | 6,184.6 | 211.9 |
| Transfer payments | 272.2 | 167.0 | 105.2 |
| Repairs and maintenance | 807.5 | 703.2 | 104.3 |
| Professional and special services | 2,336.4 | 2,249.0 | 87.4 |
| Acquisition of land, buildings and works | 361.3 | 320.6 | 40.6 |
| Utilities, materials and supplies | 498.8 | 477.4 | 21.4 |
| Other net minor items | 834.0 | 862.5 | (28.5) |
| Total net budgetary expenditures | 15,330.6 | 13,473.5 | 1,857.1 |
Note: Numbers may not add up due to rounding.
The year-to-date net increase of $1,857.1 million is attributable mainly to the following:
Acquisition of machinery and equipment (increase of $1,314.9 million)
The increase in spending is primarily due to the timing of payments for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft Foreign Military Sales case, and the Future Fighter Capability program. Additional increases are due to engine acquisitions under the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project, as well as expenditures related to the River-Class Destroyer project.
Personnel (increase of $211.9 million)
The increase in spending is mainly attributed to civilian pay raises following the ratification of several collective agreements, resulting in higher personnel costs. Additionally, a greater number of CAF members were serving compared to the same quarter last year and pay increases for CAF legal officers further raised military pay. Lastly, spending on foreign service allowances and benefits increased, reflecting a higher number of CAF personnel serving outside Canada.
Transfer payments (increase of $105.2 million)
The increase in spending is primarily driven by support to Ukraine, including funding for military aid packages and initiatives in response to the ongoing instability. Expenditures also increased due to higher contributions to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and NORAD programs, such as the NATO Security Investment program and the NORAD Modernization Science and Technology program.
Repairs and maintenance (increase of $104.3 million)
The increase in spending is primarily due to In-Service Support activities, as well as aircraft repairs and maintenance costs associated with the CH148 Cyclone and CH149 Cormorant fleets. Additional increases are related to the maintenance of the Leopard 2 fleet.
Professional and special services (increase of $87.4 million)
Engineering, research and development services largely contributed to the increase in spending, primarily driven by NORAD modernization and continental defence initiatives led by Defence Research and Development Canada, along with expenditures related to Operation REASSURANCE (Central and Eastern Europe) and the Future Aircrew Training Program. Additional increases stem from the contaminated sites remediation program, facility maintenance activities, and a payment made under the Memorandum of Understanding on Data Protection between Canada and the United Kingdom.
Acquisition of land, buildings and works (increase of $40.6 million)
The increase in spending is primarily driven by the Joint Task Force 2 infrastructure project and engineering works in support of the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project, the construction of both a Military Family Resource Centre in Petawawa and a multi-purpose building in Yellowknife, as well as the rehabilitation of the 15 Wing Moose Jaw’s runway. The construction work on the NORAD Quick Reaction Alert facility in Bagotville also contributed to higher expenditures.
Utilities, materials and supplies (increase of $21.4 million)
The increase in spending is primarily due to an increase in personnel and assets deployed in operations, requiring an increase in material and supplies such as electricity, fuel, food, and medical products.
3. Risks and uncertainties
DND’s financial transactions are exposed to a broad range of external financial, geopolitical and economic risks such as inflation, foreign exchange commodity price fluctuations, tariffs and global supply chain. Currently, DND is seeing economic risks give rise to increases in costs of goods and services, labour shortages, and supply chain delays. Depending on how these risks unfold, they could lead to significant fluctuations in anticipated spending.
While DND considers key economic and financial risk factors (including defence-specific inflation and foreign exchange) in developing expenditure strategies, these risks are outside the control of DND.
DND continues to address the financial risks associated with Phoenix pay issues through the implementation of new controls as required and the strengthening of existing ones. The Civilian Quality Assurance program continues to leverage the use of robotic process automation to analyze the current pay environment and lead to more timely corrective actions with the help of compensation agents. Initiatives such as the centralized data entry capability continue to ensure sustained payment accuracy.
DND’s capital acquisition program includes a number of large multi-year acquisition projects, mainly comprising of advanced fighter aircrafts, naval ships and armored vehicles. Delays in contracting and procurement activities or delays in deliveries by suppliers for individual projects can reduce the CAF’s operational capability and lead to reduced expenditures or budgetary surpluses.
Risks also flow from claims and litigations involving DND’s normal operations. When DND receives a claim or litigation alleging liability in tort or extra contractual responsibility to cover losses, expenditures or damages, it is analyzed and an appropriate position is developed based on legal advice. Litigation or settlement may be pursued and these are tracked through DND’s reporting mechanisms.
The CAF is applying reconstitution measures at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels to restore units to an acceptable level of readiness to excel as a modern and combat-ready military force. This is intended to enable the CAF to adapt quickly to action when called for significant unexpected operational demands, which can occur at any time anywhere around the globe.
Additionally, significant unforecasted operational demands can occur at any time, requiring DND to respond anywhere in the world. Depending on the extent of the operational demand, the cost of unforecasted operations would be mitigated either through internal reallocations or by requesting incremental funding from the Government.
4. Significant changes in relation to programs, operations and personnel
On July 8, 2025, the federal government launched the Comprehensive Expenditure Review exercise to continue its commitment to responsible and cost-effective spending. All departments were asked to bring forward savings proposals. DND has a savings target of 2% starting in the 2026–27 fiscal year. This target does not impact the funding received following the Prime Minister’s announcement in June 2025 of new investments in the CAF.
On August 8, 2025, as part of the strategic investments to meet NATO’s 2% defence spending target, the Prime Minister’s Office announced an increase in pay and incentives for CAF members, to revitalize and transform recruitment and retention efforts, bolster force readiness, and ensure that members in uniform have the confidence and certainty they need to serve.
On September 2, 2025, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) transferred the control and supervision of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) to DND. For this quarter’s report only, figures related to CCG are included in DFO’s financial information.
Approved by:
Original signed by
Stefanie Beck
Deputy Minister of National Defence
Original signed by
Jonathan Moor CBE FCA CPFA
Chief Financial Officer
Dated: November 25, 2025
Ottawa, Canada
| Amounts are expressed in thousands of dollars. | Fiscal year 2025–26 | Fiscal year 2024–25 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total available for use for the year ending | Used during the quarter ended | Year-to-date used at quarter-end | Total available for use for the year ending | Used during the quarter ended | Year-to-date used at quarter-end | |
| Mar 31, 2026 Footnote * | Sep 30, 2025 | Sep 30, 2025 | Mar 31, 2025 Footnote * | Sep 30, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | |
| Vote 1 – Net Operating expenditures | 26,112,638 | 5,280,888 | 9,490,541 | 20,954,326 | 4,876,456 | 8,878,477 |
| Vote 5 – Capital expenditures | 11,707,647 | 2,869,760 | 4,507,029 | 7,216,408 | 1,942,375 | 3,402,630 |
| Vote 10 – Grants and contributions | 4,448,682 | 158,549 | 272,662 | 893,526 | 135,429 | 167,129 |
| Vote 15 – Payments in respect of the long-term disability and life insurance plan for members of the Canadian Forces | 446,727 | 118,277 | 203,307 | 446,728 | 120,733 | 205,099 |
| Budgetary Statutory Authorities: | ||||||
| Contributions to employee benefit plans – Members of the Military | 1,759,939 | 358,240 | 653,863 | 1,427,471 | 346,301 | 636,145 |
| Contributions to employee benefit plans | 470,237 | 101,112 | 202,209 | 363,661 | 90,947 | 181,914 |
| Spending of Amounts Equivalent to Proceeds from Disposal of Surplus Crown Assets | 22,151 | 87 | 181 | 19,194 | 389 | 389 |
| Payments under the Supplementary Retirement Benefits Act | 450 | 55 | 92 | 500 | 95 | 173 |
| Court awards – Crown Liability and Proceedings Act | 0 | 618 | 618 | 0 | 1,450 | 1,450 |
| Payments under Parts I–IV of the Defence Services Pension Continuation Act (R.S.C., 1970, c. D-3) | 100 | 10 | 16 | 110 | 20 | 36 |
| Minister and Associate Minister of National Defence – Salary and Motor Car Allowance | 102 | 25 | 42 | 99 | 25 | 49 |
| Total Budgetary statutory authorities | 2,252,979 | 460,147 | 857,021 | 1,811,035 | 439,227 | 820,156 |
| Total Budgetary Authorities | 44,968,673 | 8,887,621 | 15,330,560 | 31,322,023 | 7,514,220 | 13,473,491 |
| Non-budgetary Authorities | 80,702 | 5,269 | 52,914 | 77,191 | 6,456 | 45,784 |
| Total Authorities | 45,049,375 | 8,892,890 | 15,383,474 | 31,399,214 | 7,520,676 | 13,519,275 |
Note: Numbers may not add up due to rounding.
| Amounts are expressed in thousands of dollars. | Fiscal year 2025–26 | Fiscal year 2024–25 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planned expenditures for the year ending | Expended during the quarter ended | Year-to-date used at quarter-end | Planned expenditures for the year ending | Expended during the quarter ended | Year-to-date used at quarter-end | |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Sep 30, 2025 | Sep 30, 2025 | Mar 31, 2025 | Sep 30, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | |
| Expenditures: | ||||||
| Personnel | 15,042,399 | 3,283,370 | 6,396,422 | 13,082,028 | 3,164,868 | 6,184,565 |
| Transportation and communications | 1,234,751 | 268,229 | 432,887 | 755,090 | 282,104 | 418,609 |
| Information | 42,145 | 3,976 | 7,805 | 33,079 | 5,638 | 8,823 |
| Professional and special services | 8,446,302 | 1,369,359 | 2,336,383 | 5,705,906 | 1,365,149 | 2,249,013 |
| Rentals | 1,061,266 | 198,445 | 331,399 | 795,142 | 173,625 | 340,346 |
| Repair and maintenance | 2,909,741 | 539,412 | 807,504 | 2,217,905 | 467,691 | 703,247 |
| Utilities, materials and supplies | 1,898,285 | 271,044 | 498,829 | 1,395,217 | 249,481 | 477,418 |
| Acquisition of land, buildings and works | 1,199,238 | 236,530 | 361,284 | 828,887 | 211,567 | 320,649 |
| Acquisition of machinery and equipment | 8,731,264 | 2,480,461 | 3,823,902 | 5,525,541 | 1,403,962 | 2,509,048 |
| Transfer payments | 4,449,232 | 158,614 | 272,195 | 894,136 | 135,544 | 167,038 |
| Public debt charges | 3,558 | 436 | 842 | 3,577 | 628 | 1,216 |
| Other subsidies and payments | 301,403 | 146,367 | 188,243 | 424,157 | 131,050 | 203,879 |
| Total gross budgetary expenditures | 45,319,584 | 8,956,243 | 15,457,695 | 31,660,665 | 7,591,307 | 13,583,851 |
| Less Revenues netted against expenditures: | ||||||
| Recoveries from members | (170,742) | (45,253) | (76,098) | (154,697) | (39,763) | (65,748) |
| Recoveries from OGDs | (11,484) | (1,952) | (3,327) | (13,748) | (1,753) | (1,990) |
| Recoveries from other governments/UN/NATO | (64,511) | (469) | (1,877) | (69,781) | (13,401) | (16,148) |
| Other recoveries | (104,174) | (20,948) | (45,833) | (100,416) | (22,170) | (26,474) |
| Total Revenues netted against expenditures | (350,911) | (68,622) | (127,135) | (338,642) | (77,087) | (110,360) |
| Total net budgetary expenditures | 44,968,673 | 8,887,621 | 15,330,560 | 31,322,023 | 7,514,220 | 13,473,491 |
Note: Numbers may not add up due to rounding.