ADM (Review Services): Transforming how National Defence buys what matters

April 7, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:50

In a world where threats change quickly, new technology can be the difference between safety and being vulnerable. The question is not just what the military buys, but how fast and how well we can prepare for future dangers.

The Evaluation of Capability Acquisition Modernization examines how the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) buy equipment. The goal of this evaluation is to give advice to two programs: Continuous Capability Sustainment and Agile Procurement. These programs are managed by Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) and Assistant Deputy Minister (Digital Services).

This advisory process also includes identifying and combining progress in defence procurement over the past few years. This helps compare old ways of buying equipment with newer methods like Continuous Capability Sustainment, Agile Procurement, and Urgent Operational Requirements.

In recent years, Defence has made improvements to the way it buys equipment:

• Giving leaders more decision-making authority;
• Improving record-keeping;
• Making project pathways clearer;
• Offering more support for the workforce; and
• Creating the new Defence Investment Agency.

However, some recurring challenges still slow things down, such as unlinked databases, varying data management policies, too much oversight, unclear priorities, and extra paperwork which continues to make work harder across DND. There is a need to work faster in defence procurement by using simpler ways to manage projects, updating digital systems, and making flexible and urgent processes.

The Continuous Capability Sustainment and Agile Procurement will offer faster delivery, more flexibility, and frequent upgrades. These are promising ways to address issues caused by fast-changing technology. They build on lessons from past efforts and urgent military needs to improve equipment delivery. Work done during the report process, like developing ways to measure performance, identifying possible projects, and reviewing risk acceptance, helps set the stage for using these approaches across DND.

Improving our buying process is not only about equipment. It requires better management to support quick decisions, digital tools with reliable information, project management designed to prevent delays, and a workforce with the right skills. It also means approaching risk in a more consistent and open way so DND/CAF can respond quickly when needs come up.

The message is clear: Defence cannot afford to ignore these opportunities. Without change, buying equipment will stay slow and complicated, urgent needs may be missed, and the CAF may not get the tools it needs. Modernizing how Defence delivers capability will make buying easier, reduce frustration, and keep the CAF ready for whatever comes next.