Planned Canadian Forces projects


This is a list of future or planned Canadian Armed Forces projects.

Canadian Army

ProjectTypeNumberDatesManufacturerDetails
Improved combat uniformCADPAT24,0002012–The decision to change the existing combat uniform is due to drying problems and poor integration with other operational equipment, as well as discolouration. The Department of National Defence estimates the production rate would be about 24,000 ICU uniforms per year.
Small Arms Modernization ProjectSmall armsN/A2012–2022N/A
In October 2007, Department of National Defence approved the Identification of the Small Arms Replacement Project 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.
Integrated Soldier SystemNetwork-centric warfare17,0002010–
SnowmobileTBDTBDCrossChasm Technologies, CanadaThe 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.
Sniper Systems projectC14 Timberwolf and C15 long-range sniper weaponTBDTBDThe 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, a new sniper rifle for training, ammunition, ballistic calculators, night vision for the rifle, new lightweight thermal and wet weather clothing and more.
3D Dismounted Training SystemVirtual TrainingTBD2023–2036TBDThe project cost is estimated between $100–249 million to provide a realistic virtual environment for dismounted soldiers and tank crew.
84mm Ammunition ProjectCarl Gustaf 8.4cm recoilless rifleTBDTBDTBDThe 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.
84mm Carl Gustaf UpgradeTBDTBD2019–2036TBDThe 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.
Active Protection SystemTBDTBD2022–2036TBDThe 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.
Active Radio Frequencies Protection SystemsTBDTBD2023–2036TBDAcquisition of sensor to detect radio frequency energy to detect improvised explosive devices. The project cost is estimated between $50–99 million.
Advanced Improvised Explosive Device Detection and DefeatTBDTBD2019–2036TBDThe 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.
Advanced Sub-Unit Water Purification SystemTBDTBD2016–2026Rheinmetall CanadaAcquisition of water purification system for up to 250 soldiers. The project funding range is $100 million to $249 million.
Advanced Water Supply SystemTBDTBD2022–2036TBDThe water supply system will replace the existing system with water system, storage and supply. The project cost is estimate between $50–99 million.
Airspace Coordination Center ModernizationTBDTBD2017–2021TBDModernization 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.
Anti Tank Guided Missile ReplacementTBDTBD2026–2036+TBDReplacement of existing anti-tank weapons with a new multi-purpose, anti-armour, anti-structure. The weapon will be both portable / mounted system. The project estimate is between $500 million to $1 billion.
Armoured Combat Support Vehicle LAV 6.03602020–2025General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada
  • General utility armoured vehicle replacement of existing M113 and LAV-II 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.
  • 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.
Bridge and Gap Crossing ModernizationTBDTBD2018–2036TBDThe 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.
Body Armour ModernizationTBDTBD2018–2036TBDThe 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.
CF Land Electronic Warfare ModernizationTBDTBD2019–2036TBDThe 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.
Soldier Helmet ModernizationTBDTBD2018–2036NP 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.
  • Morgan Advanced Materials, was selected to provide their full-cut LASA AC914 for combat operations and the high-cut LASA AC915 for special operations. NP Aerospace will supply the helmet over seven years.
  • Night Vision System ModernizationTBDTBD2018–2025TBDThe project included laser range finder, laser designator, thermal image, I2 tubes. The project will cost between $100–249 million.
    Light Utility Vehicle ProjectTBDTBD2018–2036TBDReplacement of G-wagon and Chevrolet Silverado MilCOTS which are at end of useful lives. The cost is estimated between $100–249 million.
    Logistics Vehicle Modernization ProjectOffroad truck15002019–2031Consortium led by General Dynamics Land Systems – CanadaAcquisition of 1000 Zetros 4x4 light trucks and approximately 500 Zetros 8x8 heavy trucks, and their associated mission equipment. The project will cost $1.5 billion to purchase the equipment and up to $1.08 billion for support for up to 25 years.
    Long Range Precision Strike - LandMultiple-launch rocket system262028-TBDWill provide a new long-range precision strike capability, including standard range ; extended range and anti-ship missiles. Foreign Military Sales request submitted for M142 HIMARS, but contract not signed as of December 2025.
    Next Generation Small ArmsTBDTBD2024–2036+TBDReplacement 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.
    Soldier System 2030TBDTBD2025–2036+TBDThe project includes a new Integrated Soldier System, combat uniform, sniper and weapons systems modernization. The cost is estimated between $100–249 million.
    Tank Life ExtensionTBDTBD2022–2036TBDThe Leopard 2 fleet requires a mid-life modernization by 2027. The cost is estimated between $100–249 million.
    Ground Based Air and Munitions DefenceTBDTBD2018–2036TBDThe 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.
    Future Family of Unmanned Ground VehiclesTBDTBD2022–2036TBDThe project will deliver a fleet of non-lethal, unmanned ground vehicles for search and rescue, CBRN, and casualty extraction.
    Light Armoured Vehicle Reconnaissance Surveillance System LAV 6.0 RECCE662021–2024Canada / Israel /, United StatesWill replace the Coyote Reconnaissance Vehicle with 66 LAV 6.0 chassis by 2021.
    Army Modernization Canadian Army ModernizationTBD2025 - ???TBD, multipleWill restructure divisional assists, address provisioning, and take Canada from "the army we have" to the "army we need".
    Indirect Fires Modernization TBD80–1022031–TBDWill replace existing howitzers with new self-propelled platforms for increased tactical and operational survivability, mobility, and range.
    Indirect Fires Modernization TBD133–1842031–TBDWill replace existing mortars with new self-propelled platforms for increased tactical and operational survivability, mobility, and range.

    Royal Canadian Air Force

    ModelTypeNumberDatesManufacturerDetails
    CH-148 CycloneAnti-submarine warfare / utility helicopter282015–2023Sikorsky Aircraft,
    United States
    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; one lost due to crash in April 2020.
    CC-295 KingfisherFixed Wing Search and Rescue162015–2030Airbus Defence and Space
    Spain / Europe
    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. In July 2019 the first C-295 completed its maiden flight. The first delivery took place at the end of 2019. All aircraft were expected to be delivered by the end of 2022. However, initial operating capability is delayed until 2025/26.
    General Atomics MQ-9BUnmanned aircraft system112028–2033General Atomics United StatesOriginally called Joint Unmanned Surveillance and Target Acquisition System. 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. On December 19, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that 11 MQ-9B would be acquired.
    CC-330 Husky / Airbus A330 MRTTMulti-role tanker transport92018–2031Airbus Defence and Space,
    Spain / Europe
    Replacement for CC-150 Polaris. 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. 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. The first aircraft was delivered in August 2023.
    SnowbirdsCT-114 Tutors replacementAfter 2030TBDThe 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.
    P-8 PoseidonMaritime patrol aircraft / Anti-submarine warfare14 + 2 option2026–2033Boeing, United StatesReplacement for the CP-140 Aurora. The project will provide a long range Command, Control, Communications and Computers and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance 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. Canadian manufacturer Bombardier submitted an unsolicited bid to develop an aircraft to meet the CMMA requirements with General Dynamics. 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.
    AIM-9XShort Range Missile2024–2036RaytheonThe project is acquiring AIM-9X Block II and Block II+ missiles for the CF-188 and future fighter aircraft.
    AIM-120DMedium Range Air-to-Air Missile2024–2027RaytheonReplacement of semi-active homing missiles to Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
    Long Range Air-to-Air MissileTBD2026–2036TBDNew long range air-to-air missile weapon system for future fighter aircraft.
    Low Collateral Damage WeaponTBD2019–2021TBDLow collateral damage weapon for CF-188 Hornet.
    F-35AFuture Fighter Capability882017–2036Lockheed-MartinReplacement 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 for NORAD. The CF-188 Hornet end of useful life is estimated in 2025, though this required extension. 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. As of March 2022, Canada began initial negotiations with Lockheed Martin for 88 F-35As. In December 2022 the Government of Canada placed an initial order for 16 F-35As. On January 9 2023, the deal for the 88 jets was finalized.
    Tactical Reconnaissance Utility HelicopterTBDTBD2021–2036TBDThe 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. On April 8, 2024 the Government of Canada announced that $18.4 billion would be spent over 20 years, to acquire new tactical helicopters.
    Utility Transport AircraftCC-138 Twin Otter replacementTBD2018–2036TBDSmall fleet of new aircraft to replace aging CC-138 Twin Otter.
    Airborne early warning and controlTBDTBD2024–2045TBDCanada 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.

    Royal Canadian Navy

    ModelTypeNumberDatesManufacturerDetails
    Protecteur-class auxiliary vesselJoint Support Ship22017–2024ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Canada Inc., Canada / Seaspan Marine Corporation, CanadaThe Joint Support Ship 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. Construction began in June 2018.
    River-class destroyerGuided missile destroyer 152025–2050Halifax Shipyard, CanadaThe River-class destroyer is planned to replace the former and the. The ships are scheduled to start full rate construction in 2025.
    Canadian Patrol Submarine ProjectAttack submarineup to 12TBDTBDOn July 7, 2024 the Government of Canada announced the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. The project plans to acquire up to 12 conventional submarines for the RCN. 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.
    Naval Remote Weapon StationRemote Weapon Station582017Raytheon CanadaUp 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.
    Mark 54Lightweight torpedo4252020–2024Raytheon United StatesUpgrade kits ordered for existing Mark 46 torpedoes, to improve performance in northern and Arctic waters by attacking and destroying submarine at ice-edge.
    High Frequency Surface Wave RadarRadarTBD2014Raytheon CanadaThe 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 system and will be based in Nova Scotia
    Torpedo Countermeasure Hard KillCountermeasureN/A2018–2025N/AThe navy will receive a torpedo countermeasure hard kill weapon system to complement the soft-kill onboard the Upholder/Victoria-class submarine, Halifax-class frigate and Protecteur-class auxiliary vessel and may be applicable to the Canadian Surface Combatant.
    Point Defence Missile System UpgradeSurface-to-air missileN/A2020Raytheon United StatesThe Royal Canadian Navy will upgrade the current Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile point defence missile system on its Halifax Class frigates to the Block 2 version.
    Unmanned surface vehicleUSVN/AN/AN/AIn 2012, the government of Canada announced a $3-million to support research on USV technologies. The status of the program was unknown as of 2021.