The Government of Canada said it has finalised a government-to-government agreement with the United States for the acquisition of long-range missile capability for the Canadian Armed Forces. The agreement, completed in January 2026 under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales Program, covers 26 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers, an initial operational stock of munitions, spare parts, training and support services.
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029. The total acquisition cost for the Long Range Precision Strike (Land) project, including project management, infrastructure, contracts and contingency, is estimated at 2.6 billion Canadian dollars.
The project was launched under Canada’s 2024 defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free. The government said the investment is intended to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with advanced long-range missile capabilities as global security challenges continue to evolve.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, HIMARS was identified as the only solution that best met Canada’s operational and technical requirements. The government said there is currently no Canadian manufacturer for the HIMARS launcher system or associated long-range missile capability.
HIMARS is not commercially available and can only be acquired through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales Program. In support of the acquisition, the U.S. Congressional Notification process was completed in fall 2025.
The launcher systems will be paired with long-range munitions capable of precisely engaging targets at distances of more than 300 kilometres. The government said the capability will change how the Canadian Army conducts operations and supports joint forces on future missions.
The systems are also designed to integrate future land-based anti-ship missile capabilities. Canada said this will support the defence of its coasts, including the Arctic.
The investment is intended to strengthen Canada’s ability to defend its territory, contribute to continental defence and operate alongside allies and partners. The government said the acquisition represents a significant modernisation milestone for the Canadian Army.
“Canada’s Armed Forces must have the capabilities required to meet today’s threats and tomorrow’s challenges. The long-range missile capability is a critical step in supporting our military so it remains ready and equipped to protect Canadians and support our allies and partners when needed,” said the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence.
“In a rapidly changing security environment, standing still is not an option. The Long Range Precision Strike (Land) project will give the Canadian Armed Forces the ability to engage targets at long range and operate more effectively alongside our closest allies, while responding to emerging threats. And through our Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, we are turning this investment into good-paying Canadian jobs, supporting workers and creating opportunities for industry across the country,” said the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant.
“Our government will always use our purchasing power to advance Canada’s economic interests and support the workers and companies that keep our country strong. As part of this procurement, Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy will be applied, which will require the company to invest directly in Canada’s economy by strengthening our industrial base, integrating Canadian firms into global supply chains, and supporting the research, innovation, and small businesses that drive our growth,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
“Our government is investing in long-range missile capabilities that will deliver the advanced systems we need to ensure our security and readiness in this rapidly changing world. We are committed to equipping the Canadian Armed Forces with the tools they need to protect Canada, while creating opportunities for our economy and good-paying jobs for Canadians,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement.
“This capability marks a major step forward in modernizing the Canadian Army. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System will give the Army a mobile, long-range precision strike capability that can be deployed across Canada, including the Arctic, and abroad using existing Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft. When integrated with other modern capabilities—such as self-propelled artillery systems, sensors, and command and control—it will strengthen Canada’s ability to deter aggression, safeguard our sovereignty, and protect Canadians,” said Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army.
As part of Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy obligations, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control will undertake business activities and invest in Canadian industry. The government said the company plans to integrate Canadian firms into global supply chains, invest in Canadian research and development, and support small and medium-sized businesses.
The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy applies to the Long Range Precision Strike (Land) project. Under the policy, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control must provide business activities and investments in the Canadian economy equal to the value of its activities related to the Foreign Military Sale.
The government said the capability supports Canada’s commitment to meeting NATO defence spending targets. It also said the U.S. Foreign Military Sales Program allows U.S. allies and partners to acquire defence articles, services and training through government-to-government agreements.
The Foreign Military Sales Program is overseen by the U.S. Department of State and managed and executed by the U.S. Department of War, according to the release. While the FMS acquisition covers procurement of equipment and some short-term in-service support elements, the long-term in-service support solution will be acquired separately.
Source: Government of Canada (press release).
