CAF and Partner Nations Participate in Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER

Over 400 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, alongside soldiers from 9 partner nations, participated in a Canadian army-led international counter-explosive exercise in late October.

Held at Base Gagetown in Oromocto, New Brunswick, Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER (Ex AD24) brought together forces from Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Strengthen Skills and Build Capacity

According to a recent media announcement, the training provided an opportunity to strengthen skills and build capacity to counter and dispose of explosive threats, as well as exploit capabilities to counter future threats.

This year’s exercise was unique because emerging technologies were used, such as Uncrewed Aerial Systems and Additive Manufacturing, to demonstrate ways to enhance operational efficiency and security on a unified front against adversaries.

“Interoperability is crucial to the Canadian Army’s ability to fulfill Government of Canada objectives, ensure readiness, respond to emerging threats, and meet defence priorities,” explained Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army. “Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER highlights our commitment to collective security efforts alongside our NATO allies and partner nations.”

Incorporate Lessons

The press release stated that Ex AD24 is a key activity that allows the CAF and partner nations to incorporate lessons observed from Ukraine and adapt their training. This was the 11th year Canada hosted Ex AD24, which is usually held at different locations across the country.

“The realities of modern warfare drive the design, equipment and training of the Canadian Army,” explained Brigadier-General Mark Parsons, Commander 5th Canadian Division. “As we continue to modernize our force and build readiness capacity, the value of Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER in preparing Canada and its international partners for current and future threats cannot be understated.”

The media announcement noted the CAF Joint Counter Explosive Threat Organization has evaluated threats in the global security environment and brought together field experts during Ex AD24 to share lessons learned on detecting, neutralizing, and disposing of explosive ordnance.

CAF Joint Counter Explosive Threat Organization

Responsible for the planning, coordinating, and executing the Canadian iteration of Ex AD24 the CAF Joint Counter Explosive Threat Organization is the authority for enabling and synchronizing actions to counter-explosive threats on behalf of the CAF.

The organization maintains relationships with NATO allies who share a similar strategic mandate to increase interoperability and enhance each other’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal and field exploitation capabilities.