Cubic Defense has secured a significant six-year contract to provide vital logistics and support for the Canadian Army’s Weapon Effects Simulation (WES) program. This extensive undertaking encompasses the maintenance of wearable sensors, armored vehicles, support vehicles equipped with wireless kits, and urban operations training systems. These advanced capabilities are designed to facilitate realistic, force-on-force exercises that closely mimic real-world weapon effects, thereby enhancing the authenticity of field training exercises.
The new contract will see Cubic supporting live training operations at multiple Canadian military bases, specifically the bases located in Gagetown, New Brunswick; Valcartier, Quebec; Petawawa, Ontario; and Wainwright, Alberta. For years, Cubic has played a crucial role in the WES program, having provided support since 2003. The latest agreement builds upon this relationship, aiming to further improve the realism and feedback of the Canadian Army’s force-on-force training while strategically reducing associated training costs. Alicia Combs, VP and General Manager of Cubic Ground Training, emphasized that this initiative is pivotal in advancing the training capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces.
In tandem with enhancing its training programs, Canada is also moving forward with comprehensive modernization and expansion of its defense capabilities. Recently, the government announced the establishment of the Defence Investment Agency, tasked with centralizing review and approval processes to expedite defense acquisitions. The agency aims to collaborate closely with Canadian industries, bolstering skills and capacities in crucial sectors such as aerospace, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing, while also focusing on enabling domestic firms to remain competitive on the international stage.
These strategic initiatives are integral to Ottawa’s broader agenda of increasing defense spending, which is aligned with NATO’s new target of allocating 5% of GDP to defense by 2035. In a recent announcement, Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed a multi-billion-dollar military spending package, which also ensures that Canada is on track to meet NATO’s 2% benchmark by the end of this year. This expansive budget includes a substantial $1.5 billion aimed at enhancing soldiers’ pay, with a specific focus on delivering a 20% increase for the lowest-ranking personnel.
Through these concerted efforts, Canada aims not only to bolster its military training and operational capabilities, but also to ensure the preparedness of its armed forces in an increasingly complex global security environment.
