The Canadian military is expediting a program to replace its aging assault rifles. A recent internal Department of National Defence presentation indicates a swift procurement of the first batch of weapons under the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle program.
Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright, the commander of the Canadian Army, confirmed in an interview that the long-delayed program will now move forward with accelerated delivery from a Canadian manufacturer. This advancement, almost two years ahead of schedule, is made possible by a $9 billion injection into the military to meet NATO’s defense spending target.
The plan outlined in a July 2025 Defence Department briefing aims to acquire up to 65,401 modern rifles, with the potential to increase the order to 300,000 if the government decides to expand the military supplementary reserve. Although the presentation lacks specific cost and delivery details, the program’s estimated value ranges between $500 million and $1 billion.
The Canadian Modular Assault Rifle initiative seeks to replace the outdated C7 and C8 rifles used since the Afghan war. Lt.-Gen. Wright views the new rifles and uniforms, alongside drones and rocket-propelled artillery, as crucial upgrades to the army’s capabilities.
While the contract recipient remains undisclosed, Colt Canada in Kitchener, Ont., is a strong contender due to its longstanding relationship with the army. Opting for a Canadian supplier aligns with the government’s strategy to bolster the country’s defense industry.
In parallel, the army is pursuing the purchase of U.S.-manufactured rocket systems, known as HIMARS, with approval to acquire up to 26 units granted by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The $2.7 billion HIMARS program, slated for delivery in 2029, is part of Canada’s effort to diversify military procurement away from the United States.
The broader army overhaul also includes the acquisition of drones, tracked carriers, and enhanced readiness for large-scale warfare scenarios. This restructuring seeks to optimize the army’s response capabilities both domestically and internationally.
Looking ahead, the army envisions a mobilization plan to establish a pool of up to 300,000 supplemental reserves. Lt.-Gen. Wright’s focus is on strengthening existing forces while preparing for the future deployment of additional troops.
In the long term, the army plans to revamp urban armories and streamline operations to effectively address domestic and overseas crises. The transition includes reorganizing divisions for rapid response and conducting strategic planning exercises to navigate potential challenges in expanding the army swiftly.
