IAV 2026: Canada builds up divisional capabilities

Leopard 2A6M CAN MBT conversion, repair, and overhaul is planned to be completed no later than 2033. (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann)

Canada is building up divisional capabilities for manoeuvre warfare, homeland defence, and support, Janes learnt at Defence iQʼs International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2026 conference held in Farnborough from 20 to 22 January under the Chatham House Rule. The new structure will draw on four existing divisions of an army structured around geography based in Quebec, western Canada, and Ontario, as well as on the Atlantic, each responsible for its own operations, training, and support within its region.

Under the new structure, with an initial operational capability planned for 2026, the defence of Canada division dedicated to homeland defence will be responsible for national mobilisation and be able to respond to domestic emergencies and Arctic threats. With a presence throughout Canada, the division will be ready, trained, and equipped to defend vital infrastructure and support Ottawaʼs security requests.

The manoeuvre division will be fully equipped and be deployable on major land combat operations to defend Canadaʼs Arctic approaches and reinforce NATO allies, protecting Canadian domestic and global interests.

With links to the national supply chain, the support division will provide base and institutional support for mobilisation as well as domestic and expeditionary operations. It will supply and support the Canadian Army, ensuring that it has the personnel, technology, and equipment to fight. A training formation will provide individual and collective training as well as leadership education and integrate simulation and digital platforms for that effort.