Government of Canada Invests in LAV III Armoured Vehicles Upgrade

July 09, 2010

LONDON, Ontario – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and the Minister for Status of Women, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced that the Government of Canada has awarded a contract to General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada of London, Ontario, for the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) III Upgrade Project.

“This announcement reinforces the importance of investing in our security and defence industry as it not only benefits the Canadian military, but also supports the economy and creates jobs for Canadians,” said Minister Ambrose. “By choosing GDLS – Canada for this project, we are benefiting from the high–tech engineering expertise we have right here in London and supporting local businesses.”

“The renewal of the Canadian Forces’ core equipment is a priority for our Government and a key commitment of our Canada First Defence Strategy,” said Minister MacKay. “This updated and improved technology will make the vehicles safer for our men and women in uniform and it gives them the tools and protection they need to succeed in their jobs.”

LAV III vehicles are state–of–the–art combat vehicles used to transport infantry on the battlefield while providing defensive protection and firepower. The LAV III Upgrade Project involves upgrading 550 vehicles, with the option to upgrade an additional 80 vehicles, to extend the fleet’s life span to 2035.
The contract, worth $34.4 million, will provide engineering and design work for the LAV III Upgrade Project Definition Phase. This work is necessary to increase the safety of Canadian Forces members travelling on board the LAV III.


Background
Light Armoured Vehicile (LAV) III Upgrade Project

The recent experiences of the Canadian Forces and other nations in Afghanistan and other areas of operation continue to demonstrate the ongoing requirement for a highly protected, yet highly mobile Light–Armoured Vehicle.

The LAV III Upgrade project capitalizes on existing and evolving technology and improves the protection, mobility and effectiveness of the LAV III fleet. The project modernizes a portion of the existing LAV III fleet to ensure it remains a highly protected and operationally mobile combat vehicle and the backbone of domestic and expeditionary task forces. This project extends the life span of the LAV III to 2035.

The following upgrades will be performed on the LAV III:

• Upgrade of mobility systems such as power train, suspension, running gear and brakes;
• Upgrade of the weapon system;
• Installation of additional armour, heightening its protection against increased threats; and
• Improved crew ergonomics.

The LAV III Upgrade project upgrades 550 vehicles with an option for an additional 80.

The project is now in the definition phase, which will determine the scope of the work required to upgrade the vehicle. General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada (GDLS–C), the original equipment manufacturer, was awarded a $34 million contract for this definition phase. Under this contract, GDLS–C will build Risk Reduction Units (RRUs), which are LAV IIIs fitted with the various planned upgrades. These RRUs will be tested and evaluated later this year.

Following the Definition Phase, a contract will be awarded for the implementation of the upgrades. The implementation work is expected to begin shortly thereafter.