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The Canadian Armed Forces: Selected Overview of Weapons and Systems – the Peaceful Nation with a Bite

Although Canadians are known for being peace-loving, they possess an arsenal worthy of a developed nation.

Frank G. Poster, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Frank G. Poster, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Mikkel Preisler
By Mikkel Preisler 23. June 2025
Frank G. Poster, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Frank G. Poster, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) command an impressive array of weapons and systems. Here is a comprehensive overview categorized from light infantry weapons to advanced fighter jets and naval vessels.

Small Arms and Infantry Weapons

Stave at Danish Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Stave at Danish Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The CAF utilizes standard rifles like the C7A2 (5.56 mm), the C8A3 carbine, and the robust Colt Canada C19 (7.62 mm) for arctic operations.

Machine Guns

[1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
[1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The infantry is supported by the light C9A2 machine gun, the heavier C6A1, and the powerful M2HB-QCB (12.7 mm) mounted on vehicles and ships.

Pistols and Submachine Guns

Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The new service pistol C22 (SIG Sauer P320) replaces the former Browning Hi-Power, while special forces prefer the MP5 and FN P90.

Sniper Rifles

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Karen Sampson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Karen Sampson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The sniper arsenal includes the effective C15 (.50 cal), C20 DMR (7.62 mm), and the newest multi-caliber C21 (Sako TRG M10).

Anti-Tank Weapons

Reise Reise, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Reise Reise, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The infantry uses the Carl Gustav recoilless rifle (84 mm), M72 LAW, and advanced missile systems like TOW and Spike LR2 with a range of up to 5 km.

Grenade Launchers and Explosives

Pfc. Zane Ortega, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Pfc. Zane Ortega, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The CAF uses the M203A1 under-barrel grenade launcher, the C16 automatic grenade launcher, and the effective C19 Claymore mine.

Tanks

Boevaya mashina, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Boevaya mashina, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The army operates Leopard 2A4 and the modern Leopard 2A6M CAN with enhanced mine protection.

Armored Vehicles

Racermereedits, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Racermereedits, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

LAV 6.0 forms the backbone of mechanized infantry, supplemented by the TAPV patrol vehicle and older M113 vehicles in support roles.

Artillery

Korps Marinir TNI-AL, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Korps Marinir TNI-AL, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The artillery includes ultra-light LG1 howitzers, heavy M777 (155 mm) and C3 (105 mm) howitzers, as well as 81 mm mortars for infantry support.

Helicopters

MSGT ROBERT A. WHITEHEAD, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
MSGT ROBERT A. WHITEHEAD, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The helicopter fleet includes the versatile CH-146 Griffon, the heavy CH-147F Chinook, and the maritime CH-148 Cyclone for anti-submarine warfare.

Fighter Aircraft

Dave_S. from Witney, England, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Dave_S. from Witney, England, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The RCAF’s fighter aircraft currently consist of the CF-188 Hornet, with a planned transition to the advanced F-35A Lightning II starting in 2028.

Naval Ships

Konflikty.pl (Attribution or Attribution), via Wikimedia Commons
Konflikty.pl (Attribution or Attribution), via Wikimedia Commons

The navy commands Halifax-class frigates equipped with modern anti-submarine and air defense systems, along with Harry DeWolf-class Arctic patrol ships.

Submarines

John Webber CET, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
John Webber CET, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Canada operates Victoria-class diesel-electric submarines with Mark 48 torpedoes for stealth operations and sea control.

Air Defense and Missiles

U.S. Navy photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
U.S. Navy photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The air defense is reinforced with ESSM missiles for the navy, new RBS 70 NG MANPADS, and advanced anti-ship missiles like the Harpoon Block II.

Transport Aircraft

Balon Greyjoy, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Balon Greyjoy, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Transport duties are efficiently handled by the CC-177 Globemaster III, CC-130J Hercules, and the new CC-295 Kingfisher for search and rescue missions.

Drones and UGVs

Defensie, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Defensie, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Unmanned systems include CU-172 Blackjack drones, Teal 2 quadcopters, and advanced Switchblade kamikaze drones, along with EOD robots like tEODor and Mk3 for explosive ordnance disposal.

This comprehensive overview showcases Canada’s strength, versatility, and modern capabilities in land, air, and sea operations.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.

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