According to the information provided, the program to acquire new armored fighting vehicles is to be accelerated compared with previous plans. While initial service entry had been expected by 2035, the Canadian Army now plans to introduce around 250 tracked, heavily protected yet highly mobile vehicles between 2029 and 2031.
The vehicles are expected to offer STANAG 4569A Level 6 ballistic protection and high mine resistance, and to enter service in multiple configurations, including self-propelled mortars, loitering munition launchers, and command vehicles. They are intended for armored cavalry units, effectively mechanized battalions, including two new medium cavalry battalions that will form a core element of the future Maneuver Division.
Canada also plans to expand and modernize its armored forces under the Heavy Direct Fire Modernization program, including upgrading 20 Leopard 2A6 tanks to a new interim standard by 2033. Remaining Leopard 2A4M CAN and Leopard 2A4NL tanks are to be withdrawn by 2035, while procurement of a new main battle tank is planned to begin by 2030 so that the first reequipped armored battalions reach initial operational capability by 2037.
The strengthened armored and mechanized forces are intended to address modern battlefield and geopolitical challenges facing Canada. These include growing concerns over Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic, as well as broader defense planning scenarios that have already been examined through Canadian Armed Forces war games.
