RADARSAT-2
Space Surveillance

Aurora Aircraft
Aerial Surveillance

Canadian Rangers
Ground Enforcement

Upgrades
Acquisitions

References

The Canadian Rangers are part-time reservists and are invaluable to the Canadian Forces.  Local knowledge of the landscape has enabled the Rangers to act as the “eyes and ears” for the Canadian Forces in the Arctic.  Currently, the Canadian Rangers total approximately 4,000 and provide service to more than 150 remote communities across Canada.

On August 10, 2007 Prime Minister Harper announced plans to expand the total number of Canadian Rangers to approximately 5,000.  Included in this announcement is the much needed and anticipated Ranger Modernization Project that will replace and enhance uniforms and equipment – estimated cost of $45 million.  Canadian Rangers as a whole have been traditionally lightly equipped; the Ranger Modernization Project will improve their capabilities over the coming years.

 
The Canadian Rangers
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence

On September 5, 2008 Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced the Canadian Forces will be establishing a permanent Army reserve unit in Yellowknife, NWT.  Adding an approximate 100 well-trained Army reservists to the Canadian North will support and enhance the Canadian Rangers responding to search-and-rescue incidents as example.