Harper Government Re-Announces Delivery of Upgraded LAV-3 For Second – Or Is It The Third – Time?

March 22, 2013. David Pugliese - Defence Watch

 News release from DND/Government:

EDMONTON, ALBERTA- The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, highlighted the Economic Action Plan 2013 commitment to better leverage future investments in equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces while welcoming the delivery of the upgraded light armoured vehicles (LAV) III now rolling out of the General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada’s (GDLS-C) Edmonton plant.

“Our Government is committed to supporting the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian workers, and the Canadian economy,” said Minister Ambrose. “Our Government will continue to leverage military procurement, in consultation with industry, to maximize job creation, support Canadian manufacturing capabilities and innovation, and bolster economic growth in Canada.”

Sixteen LAV III vehicles will be delivered by spring 2013 and final assembly will continue through to 2018. In total, over 600 upgraded LAV III units will be assembled in Edmonton. This project will sustain approximately 2400 Canadian jobs in both the Edmonton and London GDLS-C plants.

Canada’s LAV III vehicles are the backbone of the Canadian Army, having served our Armed Forces in Afghanistan and other areas of operation. They are state-of-the-art combat vehicles used to transport infantry on the battlefield while providing defensive protection and firepower.

“Our Government’s investments in renewing and modernizing the Canadian Armed Forces’ capabilities on land, sea and air are creating thousands of high-quality, skilled jobs all across the country,” said the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Q.C., Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta – Richmond East. “At the same time, we are delivering on our promise to build a first-class, modern military that is ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century. Today’s announcement is welcome news for the Canadian Armed Forces.”

The LAV III upgrade project implementation phase contract is necessary to improve the protection of these vehicles against mines and improvised explosive devices, improve their mobility, improve the safety of Canadian Armed Forces members travelling on board the upgraded LAV III, and incorporate ergonomic and information management improvements.

The LAV III upgrade project is one of four Family of Land Combat Vehicles projects announced in July 2009 that aims to capitalize on both existing and evolving technology and improving the protection, mobility and lethality of the Light Armoured Vehicle III fleet.

Canada’s defence and security industries employ over 90,000 Canadians.