New rifles on the way for Canada’s soldiers as defence spending ramps up

Canada’s Next‑Generation Assault Rifle: What It Means for the Future of the Canadian Army

Canada is fast‑tracking a massive overhaul of its infantry weapons. The Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) program, long stalled on paper, is now poised to replace the aging C7/C8 fleet with up to 65,401 modern rifles – and possibly as many as 300,000 if the government expands its supplemental reserve force.

Why the Rush? NATO‑Driven Defence Spending and the $9 Billion Boost

Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to meet NATO’s 2 % GDP defence‑spending target. That commitment unlocked >$9 billion for new equipment, allowing the Department of National Defence (DND) to accelerate CMAR procurement by roughly two years.

Did you know? Canada’s defence budget grew from $22 billion in 2020 to over $31 billion today, the fastest rise among NATO allies.

Domestic Production: Colt Canada in the Spotlight

While the contract winner has not been announced, Colt Canada – based in Kitchener, Ontario – is the frontrunner. Selecting a home‑grown manufacturer aligns with the Liberal government’s “defence industrial base” strategy, promising jobs and technological spin‑offs for Canadian firms.

Real‑life example: Colt Canada’s recent partnership with the Royal Canadian Navy to supply 5,000 NATO‑standard small‑arms components demonstrates the company’s capability to meet large‑scale orders.

Beyond Rifles: A Whole‑Army Modernisation Plan

CMAR is just one piece of a broader transformation that includes:

• New CADPAT camouflage uniforms – designed for Arctic conditions and morale‑boosting.
• HIMARS rocket‑propelled artillery – 26 U.S. M142 launchers slated for delivery by 2029, providing long‑range precision strike capability proven in Ukraine.
• Advanced drones – local manufacturers are testing AI‑guided reconnaissance platforms for rapid battlefield intel.
• BV 206 tracked carriers – all‑terrain Arctic vehicles slated for replacement after decades of service.

These acquisitions support the DND’s “large‑scale warfare” doctrine, shifting emphasis from counter‑insurgency to high‑intensity conflict.

Reserve Expansion: The “Citizen Soldier” Initiative

The DND is also preparing to raise a supplemental reserve of up to 300,000 citizens, a move that could double the rifle procurement volume. This reserve will act as a surge capacity for domestic emergencies and overseas deployments.

Internal link: Read more about Canada’s reserve‑force restructuring.

Logistical Challenges and War‑Gaming Insights

To test rapid scaling, the army conducted a September war‑game that simulated a sudden 30 % increase in troop numbers. The exercise highlighted three critical gaps:

1. Supply‑chain bottlenecks for spare parts.
2. Training space for new recruits.
3. Modern armoury infrastructure in urban centres.

Pro tip: Future procurement plans should incorporate modular logistics hubs to avoid the “single‑point‑failure” scenario revealed by the war‑game.

FAQ – Quick Answers on Canada’s Modernising Infantry

What is the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR)?

A next‑generation, interchangeable‑system rifle designed to replace the C7/C8 platforms and support multiple calibers and accessories.

When will the first CMARs be delivered?

Initial deliveries are expected in 2025, ahead of the originally scheduled 2027 timeline.

How much will the CMAR program cost?

Estimates range from $500 million to $1 billion, depending on final order size and optional upgrades.

Will Canadian troops also receive new uniforms?

Yes, a new CADPAT camouflage pattern is scheduled to roll out alongside the rifles, improving Arctic camouflage and morale.

How does the HIMARS acquisition fit with the domestic rifle program?

Both are part of a comprehensive capability upgrade: rifles boost infantry firepower, while HIMARS provides long‑range precision strike, a synergy emphasised by Lt‑Gen. Mike Wright.

What’s Next for Canadian Defence?

The acceleration of CMAR and related programs signals a decisive shift toward a robust, domestically‑supported military. As Canada meets NATO’s spending goals, expect further investments in autonomous systems, cyber‑defence, and Arctic logistics.