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Canadian Armed Forces builds readiness and leads Allies in modern training at Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER

National Defence

News release

October 15, 2025 - Ottawa, ON - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will host military members from Allied and partner countries at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown for Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER from October 16 to 29, 2025.

Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER is the CAF's premier multinational Counter-Improvised Explosive Device exercise. Led by the Canadian Armed Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (CAF EOD) Organization, this exercise brings together participants from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom.

Together, these nations will take part in realistic demanding training scenarios designed to improve teamwork, enhance readiness, and foster knowledge sharing. The exercise will also highlight the latest advancement in explosive threat mitigation technologies, supporting the Canadian Army's (CA) modernization priorities.

For more than a decade, Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER has strengthened Canada's international military partnerships and helped its Allies and partners stay ready to detect, defeat, and respond to explosive threats - anywhere they may arise.

Quotes

"The Canadian Army is modernizing to ensure we can confront emerging threats. By investing in our people, technology, and partnerships, we're strengthening readiness and ensuring that Canada remains a reliable ally and a credible force for good around the world. Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER provides an opportunity to build trust and enhance interoperability where it matters most—on the ground, working side-by-side."

Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army

"5th Canadian Division is proud to host Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER in Gagetown. This exercise brings together soldiers, specialists, and Allies and partners from around the world to test new technologies, share expertise, and strengthen our collective readiness. Together we're preparing our forces to meet today's threats and tomorrow's operational challenges."

Brigadier-General Mark Parsons, Commander 5th Canadian Division

Quick facts

• Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER has been conducted annually since 2013 and has hosted explosives experts from Allied nations, military partners, and civilian organizations.

• The CAF EOD Organization, which is responsible for the planning and coordination of Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER, is the authority for enabling and synchronizing actions to counter explosive threats on behalf of the CAF.

• The CA is modernizing through the acquisition of new armoured vehicles, digital command systems, drones, and training technologies, which enhance its readiness and its interoperability with Allies and partners.

• The CA is the largest component of the CAF, with approximately 23,000 full-time soldiers and 19,000 reservists across Canada.

• 4 Engineer Support Regiment is the CA's High Readiness Engineer Unit. The Regiment excels in specialty engineering capabilities, including counter-explosive threat, theatre opening, water supply, and geomatics intelligence.