Auditor general flags critical ammunition shortages and procurement delays in Canadian military

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 30, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC News

Canada’s military is facing significant gaps in its combat ammunition stockpile, while weaknesses in inventory management and procurement are slowing efforts to replenish supplies, according to a new report by the country’s Auditor General.

In an audit tabled in Parliament on October 29, Auditor General Karen Hogan found that the Department of National Defence lacked reliable inventory data and a comprehensive assessment of the ammunition required to maintain the Canadian Armed Forces’ operational readiness.

The review found that the military did not have all the types and quantities of ammunition needed for its strategic stockpile, which is intended for emergencies such as combat operations. Some equipment requirements were also excluded from its assessment, leaving significant shortages in certain ammunition categories.

The report further revealed that military units used only 56 percent of the regular-use ammunition assigned to them over the past three fiscal years. This ammunition is intended for routine activities, including training, military exercises, testing and active deployments.

The department, however, failed to adequately investigate why substantial quantities went unused. Some planned activities were reportedly cancelled, while equipment such as tanks and ships were often unavailable for scheduled operations.

Hogan noted that some surplus supplies could be used during emergencies, but cautioned that not all ammunition intended for training is suitable for combat.

Procurement delays are also contributing to the problem. The audit found that 15 contracts for regular-use ammunition took an average of nearly 19 months from signing to final delivery.

Public Services and Procurement Canada was able to purchase ammunition when requested by National Defence, but weaknesses in contract management affected the pace of deliveries. The department did not consistently document the reasons for contract amendments, including extensions to delivery schedules.

The federal government committed 9.2 billion Canadian dollars over 13 years in 2024 to replenish the strategic stockpile. However, the auditor general said it would still take several years to address the existing shortages at the current pace of procurement.

As of March 31, 2026, National Defence had committed 695 million Canadian dollars toward strategic stockpile ammunition purchases during the 2025-26 fiscal year, but none of the ammunition covered by those commitments had been received by that date.

The report also found that 31 percent of locations holding military ammunition had not completed their required annual inventory counts, involving supplies valued at 656 million Canadian dollars.

Defence Minister David McGuinty said the government accepts the auditor general’s recommendations and has begun addressing the deficiencies, including improving inventory data, strengthening stockpile planning and monitoring supplier performance.

The audit underscores the need for Canada to improve how it tracks, purchases and stores ammunition as the country works to meet its military readiness requirements and defence commitments to its allies.