The Canadian federal Liberal government has unveiled plans to award a sole-source contract for hundreds of light armoured vehicles to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada.

A LAV 6.0 during Exercise Maple Resolve 2018 in Wainwright, Alberta. (Photo: MCpl Malcolm Byers)

The Deal was announced by the Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan on Friday. $3 billion for 360 LAVs and the associated infrastructure and testing, which will replace a portion of the already aging LAVs fleet. The Canadian Armed Forces uses the LAV 6.0 (The LAV 6.0 is the designation given by the Canadian Army to its enhanced LAV III). The LAV 6.0 is equipped with an upgraded, next-generation 6.0 suspension and a 450-hp power pack. It offers enhanced protection provided by its blast-deflecting double-V hull and energy attenuating seating, while also improving ingress and egress.

The vehicle also features a fully digital electronic architecture with increased electrical generation and situational awareness, improved turret human factors and upgraded sight systems.

The LAV 6.0 saw its first operational deployment internationally in 2017 when it accompanied Canadian soldiers deployed in Latvia in support of Operation REASSURANCE. In 2016, General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada furthered the modularity of the LAV 6.0 family by introducing the LAV 6.0 combat support vehicle (CSV). The LAV 6.0 CSV combines additional mission flexibility with the commonality and protection offered by the LAV 6.0 baseline variant. Equipped with remote weapon systems (RWS) for self-defence, the LAV 6.0 CSV is currently available in the command post, ambulance and maintenance and recovery vehicle variants.