Canadian Army looks to spend more than $6 billion on new howitzers and rockets

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2 days ago

The Canadian Army is looking at spending more than $6 billion for new self-propelled howitzers and ground-based long-range rockets, according to briefings provided to defence industry representatives.
The Indirect Fires Modernization program, expected to cost more than $5 billion, will see the acquisition of self-propelled 155-mm artillery, ammunition as well as new mortar systems, according to a Canadian Army briefing for industry presented April 8 in Ottawa.
Information about such equipment was requested from industry, which had until April 2 to provide details about their systems, according to a request-for-information document issued by the Canadian government.
The program would include fire control software and investments in new infrastructure at military bases, including Garrison Petawawa, the request noted.
A project funding proposal is currently being prepared for the Liberal government, according to the April 8 army briefing.
The second program is for a new land-based long-range missile system. The initial cost estimate for that is more than $1 billion but the price tag could be higher depending on how many rockets are ordered.
The Ottawa Citizen reported in March that Canada's military leadership was pushing for a sole source deal for the U.S.-built High Mobility Artillery Rocket System or HIMARS.
The plan that had been proposed by the Canadian Forces senior leadership would see the purchase of a number of HIMARS built by Lockheed Martin.
But that acquisition has been questioned by some in the defence industry, especially considering the economic and sovereignty threats made against Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Another problem is that orders of U.S. HIMARS are significantly backlogged and it is unclear whether Canada could get any quick delivery of such systems.
A total of 26 launchers are needed, according to the April 8 Canadian Army briefing to industry.
South Korean defence giant Hanwha is currently pitching Canada on both the high mobility artillery rocket systems and the self-propelled artillery program.
The company has hot production lines which are currently building the equipment for a number of nations. It has delivered its K9 self-propelled howitzer to 10 countries so far, including six NATO members.
In addition, Polish soldiers are currently undergoing training on the Chunmoo high mobility rocket systems which were purchased to counter Russian aggression.
The focus for Hanwha is not only on partnering with Canadian firms but delivering high technology quickly, Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Global Defence, said in an interview Tuesday. Technology transfer allows Canada to make sure it has sovereign control over its military equipment, a particular area of concern for a number of nations considering some of the issues that have emerged with U.S. equipment.
'We can delivery very quickly on time to make a difference for the military and the politicians for sovereign capabilities,' Coulter said.
The K9 self-propelled howitzers and the accompanying K10 ammunition resupply vehicles can be delivered in 12 months once a contract is signed. Chunmoo systems would arrive within 24 months. In addition, the systems are interoperable with U.S. equipment. Coulter noted the U.S. military has expressed an interest in seeing the K9 tested for its forces.
Coulter said Hanwha already has 10 agreements in place to work with Canadian companies and more such arrangements are expected to be announced at the CANSEC military trade show which takes place in Ottawa on May 28 and 29.
The Liberal government has also stated it will purchase up to 12 new submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. Hanwha is offering its KSS-III submarine for that program. If the contract was signed in 2026 the first submarine could be delivered by 2032, according to company officials.
The South Korean submarines, three of which are already built, can operate underwater for more than three weeks, without having to surface. In addition, the boats have a range of more than 7,000 nautical miles. Both capabilities would make them valuable for Arctic operations, company officials say.
Maintenance facilities would be established in Canada, and unlike with U.S. weapon systems, the South Koreans would provide Canada with total access to the onboard technology. South Korea developed its own robust defence industry after being hit by rising prices and unreasonable demands linked to U.S.-produced equipment.
David Pugliese is an award-winning journalist covering Canadian Forces and military issues in Canada. To support his work, including exclusive content for subscribers only, sign up here: ottawacitizen.com/subscribe
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