CAF examines operational support during Exercise MAPLE LEAF PAJUK 26

June 15, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:30

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members participated in Exercise MAPLE LEAF PAJUK 26, conducted in Ottawa from April 16 to 23, 2026, to examine operational support challenges during major combat operations.

From April 16 to 23, 2026, Canadian Armed Forces members gathered in Ottawa for Exercise MAPLE LEAF PAJUK 26 (Ex MLP 26), an in-person wargame that brought together operational support experts from across the institution. Personnel from Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC), other Level 1 organizations, and Canadian staff serving within NATO headquarters worked side by side, contributing as players, observers, and subject matter experts.

Directed by CJOC and delivered by the Directorate of Joint Capability Development, the exercise placed participants in a high-tempo wargame scenario focused on major combat operations. Although set in a European theatre, the situation was deliberately designed to reflect challenges that could arise in any operational environment, ensuring that lessons learned would have broad relevance.

Throughout the week, participants moved between briefings and immersive gameplay, working through complex support challenges and testing how the CAF could better sustain forces in a high-intensity conflict. The scenario pushed teams to think beyond traditional, contribution-based approaches and consider what it means to deliver end-to-end theatre support at scale.

As the exercise unfolded, a dedicated adversary "Red Cell" introduced friction and uncertainty, forcing participants to adapt plans, reassess assumptions, and collaborate across functional boundaries. This dynamic environment encouraged open discussion and practical problem-solving, allowing members to share perspectives and identify gaps in real time.

The conversations extended beyond the game itself, as participants drew on their operational experience to explore how current systems, concepts, and command-and-control arrangements would function under pressure. In doing so, the exercise highlighted both strengths and areas requiring further development across key domains such as supply, engineering, communications and information systems, health services, transportation, maintenance, personnel administration, and force protection.

Ex MLP 26 generated valuable insights that will help shape the future of CAF operational support. These findings will contribute to ongoing efforts in doctrine development and capability investment.

By bringing together expertise from across the CAF and allied environments, Ex MLP 26 reinforced the importance of integrated support in modern operations and helped advance a shared understanding of how to sustain forces effectively in increasingly complex and contested environments.

CAF members and partners are encouraged to look ahead to Ex MLP 27, which will build on this year's momentum offering another valuable opportunity to test solutions, explore capability trade-offs under evolving conditions, and further strengthen operational support for future missions.