Canada announces $5 billion combat vehicle upgrade and acquisition programmeReference: Jane's
Image: Canadian National Defence
The Canadian government has announced a CAD5 billion (USD4.3 billion) programme to upgrade and replace the army's fleets of combat vehicles. The Family of Land Combat Vehicles (FLCV) programme - announced by the Department of National Defence (DND) on 8 July - includes an upgrade to the current fleet of light armoured vehicles (LAV III) and the acquisition of three new fleets.
1) The CAD1 billion Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV 3) upgrade project is for 550 vehicles with an option for another 80. Depending on cost, they could conceivably receive upgrades to their powertrain, suspension, running gear and brakes, as well as to their weapon system. They are also to be fitted with additional armour.
2) The DND said the army will acquire 500 Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPV), at a cost of between CAD1.4 billion and CAD1.7 billion (according to estimates from Jane's Defence Forecasts ).
3) and 4)There will be 300 general utility TAPV variants, while the other 200 will be reconnaissance variants to replace the LAV 2 Coyote vehicle. The contract, expected to be awarded in the second quarter of 2011, will include an option for an additional purchase of 100 vehicles.
