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DND re-commits to acquiring close combat vehicles

DND senior officials confirmed in February that the acquisition of close combat vehicles (CCVs) for our soldiers is a priority that should not be postponed.

The plan to proceed with the CCV project fits in well with the Chief of the Land Staff’s vision for combat capability in future operations. “This is certainly great news for our troops,” CLS Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie said. “This new capability is a great step towards adapting the Army to the changing combat environment, and ensuring that we have the best tools to be successful in future missions.”

The procurement activities of the CCV project were temporarily reduced in December 2009 while officials examined the question of when to implement all four family of land combat vehicles (FLCV) projects, with a combined value of more than $5 billion: the CCV, the tactical armoured patrol vehicle (TAPV), the light armoured vehicle III upgrade (LAV III UP), and the force mobility enhancement (FME) vehicles.

“What was examined was the order in which these projects should be delivered,” said Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Vice-Admiral Denis Rouleau, “and when the new CCV capability should be introduced to the Canadian Forces, to ensure that the Department is focussing its resources towards our key priorities,”

The CCV project will provide the CF with up to 138 medium-weight infantry fighting vehicles that are highly protected and tactically mobile. The CCV will bridge the gap between light armoured vehicles (5-20 tonnes) and heavy armoured vehicles (more than 45 tonnes) while allowing infantry to operate in intimate support of Leopard 2 tanks – a vehicle capability the CF does not currently have.

How close are we to seeing this vehicle? We are still a couple of years away from seeing the first one, as per the standard time required for a project of this magnitude to advance through the competitive procurement process, involving many federal departments including Public Works and Government Services Canada, and Industry Canada. Throughout the early stages of the process, feedback from industry is sought.

“Our aim is to acquire the best equipment for our soldiers while providing the best value for Canadians,” said Chief of Staff (Materiel) Jake Jacobson. “We are achieving this through open dialogue with industry—consulting regularly and listening to feedback—which leads to overall shorter procurement timelines and increased success.”

The CCV project is planning an Industry Day for early April to provide a project update to contenders and stakeholders. In the coming weeks, a Solicitation of Interest and Qualification will be released by Public Works and Government Services Canada on the government’s electronic tendering service.

The renewal of land combat vehicles is a key component of the Canada First Defence Strategy, and lays a solid foundation for the continued modernization and strengthening of the CF. The CCV, TAPV, LAV III UP, and FME projects are expected to reach full operational capability by 2015.

Find more information on the FLCV projects at www.forces.gc.ca/site/pri/2/pro-pro/lcv-vct-eng.asp.