At Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown in Oromocto, New Brunswick, over 400 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), joined by troops from nine allied nations, are gathering for Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER 2024, a high-stakes, Canadian Army-led operation focused on counter-explosive training.

This annual exercise, which features participants from Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is designed to hone the abilities of military teams to detect, defuse, and manage explosive threats. The training goes beyond just practical skills—it’s an arena for sharing knowledge and strengthening international partnerships that are essential in tackling modern global security challenges.

“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. Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER highlights our commitment to collective security efforts alongside our NATO allies and partner nations,” explained Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army.

One of this year’s distinctive elements is the incorporation of new technologies such as Uncrewed Aerial Systems and Additive Manufacturing. These advancements are being woven into the training exercises to illustrate ways to increase both operational speed and security. This high-tech integration aims to prepare forces to confront the ever-evolving methods of potential adversaries, keeping military personnel equipped to face future threats.

“The realities of modern warfare drive the design, equipment and training of the Canadian Army. 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. I welcome all participants to 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown and wish them a successful and safe Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER 2024,” expressed Brigadier-General Mark Parsons, Commander 5th Canadian Division.

Beyond honing technical skills, Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER enables Canada and its partners to adapt tactics based on real-world insights from conflicts like that in Ukraine, allowing for continuous improvement and readiness in countering explosive and other security threats.