According to recent military data, only 61 percent of the Canadian Armed Forces are considered ready for operations, a 10 percent drop from the previous year. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has acknowledged the need to address the foundational issues that have contributed to its long-standing readiness challenges. These challenges must be resolved to ensure the CAF can effectively respond to an increasingly complex international security environment. The CAF aims to achieve 90 percent readiness by March 2025, as outlined in its 2024–2025 department plan released on Feb. 27.
The report highlights concerns about equipment readiness, with operational land fleets declining to 56 percent in 2022–2023 and maritime fleets falling to 51.2 percent. Aerospace readiness increased slightly to 43.8 percent. The CAF has set targets of 70 percent, 60 percent, and 85 percent readiness for these departments, respectively. Despite facing increased demands for both domestic disaster responses and international engagements, the CAF’s readiness has decreased. Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre emphasized the CAF’s need to operate globally to contribute to peace and stability.
The document emphasizes the urgent need to address readiness challenges that have been neglected for decades, such as low serviceability rates, deteriorating infrastructure, weak supply chains, and outdated administrative processes. While the CAF claims to be ready for concurrent operations, maintaining material capabilities and ensuring a sufficient number of personnel with the right skills remains a challenge. The CAF is implementing strategies to address these issues, including hybrid workplace arrangements and improved healthcare for its members.
Staffing concerns are also highlighted in the report, with a decrease in Regular Force and primary reserves since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruitment efforts have been hindered by pandemic-era restrictions, leading to difficulties in maintaining adequate levels of personnel. The Liberal government’s decision to reduce the Department of National Defence’s budget by $1 billion has raised concerns about the impact on military readiness. Despite these challenges, the CAF aims to uphold operational excellence in the face of geopolitical shifts that threaten the international order.
The report underscores the need for a strategic deployment of resources to balance the capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy between different regions. It also mentions the importance of countering threats from Russia and China by increasing involvement in the Indo-Pacific region and strengthening alliances. The CAF’s commitment to maintaining readiness in the face of evolving global security challenges remains a top priority.