Readiness to defend Canada is central to modernization

March 17, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 1:55

Defending Canadian sovereignty is a core priority of the Canadian Army’s modernization initiative. “The most important mission task for the Canadian Army (CA) is to defend Canada,” says Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, in a conversation featured on the CA Podcast (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website).

LGen Wright explains that the Army Canada has today is not the Army it needs for the future. To meet emerging threats, the force must be prepared for larger-scale, high-intensity operations across harsh and varied environments, including the Arctic. Achieving this level of readiness requires changes to the Army’s structure and continued progress in recruitment, equipment, training, and sustainment. “It’s the division level that we need to operate at to respond to crises at scale,” LGen Wright says.

A new purpose-driven structure

Planning is already underway for a structure that will ensure the Army can operate at scale, respond rapidly to crises, and sustain operations over time, including:

• A Defence of Canada Division, headquartered in Montréal – Dedicated to homeland defence and national emergencies, this division will strengthen the Army’s presence in the Arctic and enable readiness through the generation of tactical, operational, and strategic reserves
• A Manoeuvre Division, headquartered in Edmonton – This high-readiness formation will serve as the Army’s frontline force for major combat operations.
• A Support Division, headquartered in Kingston – Responsible for delivering the infrastructure, services, and technical expertise required for Army training and operations at home and abroad.
• A Doctrine and Training Centre, also headquartered in Kingston – Leading all collective and individual training and providing the professional military education needed to operate effectively at the division level.

Equipment and innovation

Modernization also relies on innovation and new equipment. Through the MINERVA initiative, the Army is testing emerging drone technologies in partnership with industry. “We’re trying to provide a testing ground for industry and for our soldiers,” LGen Wright notes.

Protecting soldiers and improving survivability remain top priorities. The Army is introducing new personal protective equipment, including ballistic vests, helmets, and improved cold-weather gear, such as merino wool long underwear.

The Commander also provided an update on the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle project. An upcoming contract announcement is expected to accelerate the timeline. The roll-out is expected to start in early 2027, replacing the C7/C8 rifles that have been in service for more than 35 years.

“Modernization is about ensuring that we are equipped, trained, sustained, and structured,” LGen Wright says. It also means ensuring the Army can “integrate across the Canadian Armed Forces, within the Government of Canada, and with our allies.”