**
In a significant move towards enhancing its military capabilities, the Canadian Army is set to undergo a comprehensive reorganization that will prioritise armoured vehicles, mobile artillery, and drone warfare. This development emerges from a recently leaked internal document that outlines the formation of a new division, which the Canadian Forces have confirmed is legitimate. As the military ramps up its preparations amid global tensions, this restructuring aims to bolster Canada’s defence readiness, particularly in response to evolving threats.
Army Reorganisation: A New Division on the Horizon
The restructuring of the Canadian Army, which was announced last year, is part of a broader effort to expand its ranks and improve its readiness for potential major conflicts. The urgency of this initiative has been heightened by geopolitical shifts, including tensions stemming from former President Donald Trump’s trade policies and rhetoric towards Canada. In response, the Canadian government has committed to reducing its reliance on the United States and increasing its defence spending.
The new division, known as the Manoeuvre Division, will be based in Edmonton and will accompany a restructured hierarchy that includes two additional divisions focused on home defence and infrastructure support. Currently, the army operates four regional divisions aimed primarily at domestic administration and overseas missions, but this new model is designed to enhance capability for large-scale combat operations.
A Groundbreaking Shift in Military Capability
Dr. Lee Windsor, a military historian at the University of New Brunswick, emphasised that this reorganisation represents the most significant transformation in the Canadian Army since the early 1940s. He noted that Canada has historically relied on allied forces to fill critical gaps in battlefield capabilities, particularly regarding long-range firepower and air defence. The proposed changes indicate a movement towards establishing a sovereign combat capability, enabling the Canadian Army to operate more independently than it has in decades.
“Canada has only ever done this during the two World Wars,” Dr. Windsor remarked, highlighting the importance of the proposed changes.
The leaked document reveals plans for heavy and medium cavalry battalions within the new division, which will include armoured units built around tanks and mechanised fighting vehicles. If implemented as per NATO standards, this could potentially double Canada’s current armoured strength, which includes 90 Leopard 2 tanks, of which only a small fraction are combat-ready at any given time.
Enhancing Firepower and Readiness
The division is also expected to feature a newly proposed Fire Brigade focused on long-range capabilities, equipped with self-propelled artillery and a dedicated drone battalion. Among the significant assets is the U.S.-made M142 HIMARS system, with construction slated for completion by April 2028. These developments align with modern warfare trends, where conflicts are increasingly fought using drones and advanced technology, allowing for strikes over vast distances.
Dr. Windsor predicts that the restructured Canadian Army could engage adversaries like Russia or China on more equal footing, armed with the same advanced long-range strike capabilities.
Additionally, a proposed Protection Brigade within the Manoeuvre Division aims to fill gaps in air defence, a critical need given the rise of drone warfare and contested airspace. This would be the first time since 1992 that Canada establishes a dedicated air defence unit.
Moreover, the restructuring includes elements of electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and psychological operations, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of contemporary conflicts.
Challenges Ahead in Implementation
Despite the ambitious plans, challenges remain. Historically, Canada has faced difficulties in generating the manpower and capabilities required for such a transformation. Even during the height of the Cold War, the Canadian military struggled to maintain a single brigade in Europe, a task that would now demand a force three to five times that size.
Training and retaining personnel to operate the new systems will be as critical as the procurement process itself. Dr. Windsor cautions that there may be a significant time lag between the establishment of new units and the arrival of necessary equipment.
Funding is also a pressing issue. Canada recently achieved the NATO target of 2% of its GDP for defence spending, with plans to reach 3.5% by 2026-27. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces will see a budget increase to over $51.7 billion, up from $46.8 billion the previous year. However, effective execution of this plan will depend on political will and overcoming a procurement system that has faced delays in the past.
Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, has expressed the intention for this structure to ensure persistent readiness and scalable mobilisation. “This will institutionalise rapid regeneration and enhance our operational capabilities,” he stated at the Landpower Conference in Calgary in March.
Why it Matters
The restructuring of the Canadian Army is a pivotal step that not only aims to strengthen national defence but also signals Canada’s commitment to its NATO partners amid rising global tensions. As Canada enhances its military capabilities, it positions itself to play a more significant role in international security, ensuring that it can effectively respond to potential threats while also supporting allies. This ambitious plan represents a crucial evolution in Canada’s defence strategy, reflecting both the realities of modern warfare and the need for a robust national military presence.