The 600-million-euro ($669.7-million) deal includes management, spare parts supply and repairs, and accompanying technical support services to the fleet.

KNDS will also support the construction of a sustainment facility in the country to bolster future overhaul projects for the vehicles.

Canada’s procurement authority is partnering with KNDS segments in Munich and Ottawa to complete the effort.

Work for the agreement will be facilitated from September 2024 through March 2031, with an option for five additional years.

“As a system house and manufacturer of the LEOPARD 2, we have felt a strong connection with Canada and the Canadian Army for almost 20 years,” KNDS Deutschland Service Head Markus Schmidt stated.

“For KNDS, the contract for long-term support of the systems is an honor. We are aware of the responsibility of ensuring the operational readiness of 74 LEOPARD 2 battle tanks and 29 family vehicles.”

The Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank

The Leopard 2 measures 10 meters (33 feet) and is protected with armor composed of steel, tungsten, plastic, and ceramic parts.

It is equipped with a smooth-bore gun, medium machine guns, multi-barrel grenade launchers, and explosives.

The tank is powered by a NATO-standard V12 diesel engine for a top speed of 68 kilometers (42 miles) per hour and a range of 340 kilometers (211 miles).

Canada first adopted the vehicle in 2007 to replace its older main battle tank fleet, operational since the 1970s.

Currently, five variants of the Leopard 2 are in service under Ottawa’s military.

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Known as AUKUS, the alliance aims to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and enhance defense capabilities through technology sharing. The initial phase of the partnership involves working on nuclear submarines for Canberra.

According to Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair, Ottawa wants to join a second pillar of the alliance, which involves collaboration on emerging military technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

“There have been important discussions about processes and platforms on a project-specific basis on where other nations, including Japan and ourselves, might participate,” he said during his first visit to Tokyo as defense minister.

“I would respectfully wait until they’ve come to their determination, but I’m very optimistic.”

Expanded Alliance?

Talks about potentially expanding the AUKUS alliance began when Japan signified its intent to become a fourth member.

The founding nations have confirmed they were considering Tokyo’s involvement in “specific Pillar 2 defense projects,” given its substantial investments in cutting-edge military technologies.

South Korea and New Zealand have also shown interest in contributing to the second pillar, offering their expertise in areas such as AI, autonomy, undersea capabilities, electronic warfare, and cyber operations.

The US previously said it was open to allowing more countries to participate in AUKUS’ technological activities, noting its appreciation for the interest from various allies.

“I think all three countries have made clear that under the appropriate circumstances we would be prepared to work collaboratively with other partners who bring capacity to the challenge,” US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said.

Increasing Threats

China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific has led many countries to view it as the biggest threat in the region.

Its aggressive stance in the South China Sea, marked by multiple maritime confrontations with Philippine Navy vessels and its mounting pressure on Taiwan, has heightened regional tensions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping previously warned against a resurgence of Cold War-era tensions in the Asia-Pacific due to increasing military cooperation among its adversaries.

The post After Japan, Canada Wants In on AUKUS Alliance to Counter China appeared first on The Defense Post.

With an estimated value of $265 million, the potential foreign military sale includes 120 Sidewinders in the Block II configuration and 48 in the more advanced Block II+.

Ottawa is also requesting 96 training missiles, 20 guidance kits, active optical target detectors, and engineering and logistical support.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale will help bolster Canada’s ability to deter aggression in the region, contributing to its overall homeland defense.

It is also expected to improve the country’s interoperability with the US.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by helping to improve the military capability of a NATO ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress and is a contributor to military, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations around the world,” the notice wrote.

Sidewinder Block II and II+

The AIM-9X Sidewinder is a short-range air-to-air missile that features improved capabilities over its predecessor, the legacy AIM-9M.

It boasts a high off-boresight focal-plane array seeker and an enhanced infrared counter-countermeasures feature.

In 2015, the US military introduced a Block II variant of the Sidewinder, offering a leap in capability in terms of maneuverability and targeting.

According to the Naval Air System Command, the Block II variant is equipped with an advanced infrared seeker that allows the weapon to hit targets behind the launching aircraft.

RTX continues to mature the missile further, leading to the arrival of the Block II+, which reportedly provides increased survivability for the F-35 fighter jet.

Though details are limited, the Pentagon said the newest variant incorporates “specialized external materials” for improved performance.

The post US OKs $265M AIM-9X Sidewinder Tactical Missile Sale to Canada appeared first on The Defense Post.

The 35.8-million Canadian dollar ($25.9 million) deal covers 54 personnel and 36 cargo variants of the LTV. It will also supply training, logistics support, technical manuals, and spare parts sourced from other local companies.

Additionally, the agreement offers an option for up to 18 more LTVs depending on the army’s future requirements.

The first five systems are expected to arrive in Canada this month.

Light Forces Enhancement

Ottawa’s latest LTV contract is part of the government’s Light Forces Enhancement (LFE) Phase 1 project, which seeks new off-road vehicles for the Canadian military’s light forces.

The formation specializes in rapid deployment on complex terrain not traversable by mechanized forces.

For the LFE’s second phase, Canada will employ up to 222 Tactical Mobility Platforms that will also consist of personnel and cargo variants, as well as 23 light trailers for the regular and reserve forces.

For Latvia-Based Soldiers

The Canadian Department of Defence wrote that the LTVs will also be distributed to warfighters in service under the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Latvia.

This effort operates under the alliance’s broader enhanced Forward Presence program to strengthen allied forces’s deterrence on the Eastern flank.

Canadian Army soldiers stationed in the region will receive training for the LTV fleet in August, followed by the vehicles in October.

GM Defense Light Tactical Vehicle

GM Defense’s LTV product line is based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Midsize Truck, which incorporates a “high-percentage” of commercial-off-the-shelf parts, enabling fast and convenient maintenance to sustain the vehicle’s operational availability.

The LTV personnel variant is designed to carry up to nine warfighters while cargo is driven by two soldiers to transport payloads such as combat supplies, personal effects, and weapons.

Both weigh approximately 2,232 kilograms (5,000 pounds) and are transportable via airlift platforms.

“We see this contract award as the beginning of a long strategic partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces to provide enhanced tactical mobility for Soldiers today, and into the future,” GM Defense President Steve duMont stated.

“As we further expand into Canada and with other allied nations around the world, we will continue to leverage the vast resources of General Motors to ensure our global defense and government customers have the best capability to accomplish their mission.”

The post Canadian Army Buys 90 Light Tactical Vehicles appeared first on The Defense Post.

Defence Minister Bill Blair recently told CBC News that the armed forces could soon bid farewell to its obsolete ships, aircraft, and weapons systems that have become too difficult and costly to maintain.

Among them are the T-114 Tutor jet trainers, which have exceeded their service life and figured in a number of crashes.

Despite receiving new avionics that could keep the plane serviceable until 2030, Blair said the Tutors are obviously well past their utility.

“There are even some safety issues that are deeply concerning to me and I’ve received assurances that through this flight season … they can manage those safely, but it continues to persist as a concern,” he stressed.

More Assets to Retire

In addition to the jet trainers, the Canadian military will soon retire its vintage minesweepers, the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels.

Blair revealed that the ships are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain and staff, having been in service since the late 1990s.

Furthermore, the Canadian Navy has announced it will replace its four Victoria-class submarines with 12 modern, conventional attack submarines.

According to high-ranking Canadian military official Gen. Wayne Eyre, they are still examining whether it makes sense to take these assets out of service because it might take time to replace them.

He also stated that no decisions have been made yet, as it will be up to the minister and his successor.

Modernization Effort

Ottawa is in the midst of a military modernization drive that allows it to boost its defense spending.

Earlier this year, it earmarked 13.78 billion Canadian dollars ($10 billion) for new aircraft and logistics vehicles.

It also awarded Airbus a 3.6-billion Canadian dollar ($2.7 billion) contract last year for nine A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft.

Despite the significant increase in spending, Canada is still falling short of the NATO target, which is two percent of gross domestic product for each member state.

The post Canada Mulls Massive Decommissioning of Military Assets appeared first on The Defense Post.

The CSC program was conceptualized in 2011 to replace the service’s existing Iroquois-class guided missile destroyers and Halifax-class frigates.

Nova Scotia-based Irving Shipbuilding won the deal to construct up to 15 CSC ships starting in 2024.

Integrated Platform Management System

Under the latest agreements, L3Harris will support the prime contractor by manufacturing and installing the company’s proprietary Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) into the CSCs.

The IPMS is a monitoring and control capability that enables coordination across a vessel’s electrical functions, ship propulsion, auxiliaries, damage control machinery, and power supply.

It can integrate additional technologies such as onboard training, digital closed circuit screens, battle damage control, and sustainment support systems.

L3Harris will also supply a Control & Instrumentation system to complement the IPMS platform.

Work for the contracts will be held at the company’s center in Montreal. The project is expected to support skilled jobs in the city, including roles in project management, system engineering, procurement, technical tasks, quality assurance, and customer support.

“The system provides navy vessels with real-time monitoring and reliable and effective communication capabilities, which in turn enhances safety, operational efficiency and mission success,” L3Harris Maritime International Business Development Director Manuel Perez remarked.

“Dating back to the 1980s, L3Harris was the first to implement the concept of an IPMS on the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax Frigate Program.”

“Since then, we have continued to expand the platform’s capability and now offer one of the most comprehensive and advanced Integrated Platform Management Systems available on the market today.”

Irving wrote that the latest deal will contribute 314 million Canadian dollars ($229.3 million) in contracts and investments to the region.

The Canadian Surface Combatant

The Royal Canadian Navy’s CSC will have a length of 151.4 meters (496.9 feet) and a beam of 20.75 meters (68.1 feet).

It will be powered by diesel-electric and gas engines for a top speed of 27 knots (50 kilometers/31 miles per hour) and a range of 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 kilometers).

The ship will have accommodations for up to 210 personnel, a flight deck for helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook and CH-148 Cyclone, drones and medical facilities, as well as support for sea containers and support boats.

The vessel will be fitted with torpedoes, missiles, naval guns, machine guns, and autocannons.

The post L3Harris to Supply Onboard Management, Control Systems for Canadian Surface Combatants appeared first on The Defense Post.

The delivery includes 1,000 light Zetros (two-axle vehicles with all-wheel drive, 4×4) and approximately 500 heavy Zetros (four-axle vehicles with all-wheel drive, 8×8).

The vehicles will be used for off-road transportation of goods and personnel. 

“This contract reflects the level of confidence one of the largest NATO countries has in our partner network – in our experience, reliability and technical competence,” Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks Franziska Cusumano said.

Consortium to Implement Order

A consortium of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, Marshall Canada, Soframe, Manac, and General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-Canada) will implement the order as part of the Logistics Vehicle Modernization project.

“We are delighted to be working with our four strong partners to equip the Canadian logistics fleet,” Cusumano said.

“Together, we will supply the right products and provide the best possible in-service support for many years to come.”

Manufacturing will take place in Germany’s Worth am Rhein, with the off-road-capable Zetros series of trucks serving as the common chassis.

Marshall Canada will produce a variety of interchangeable 10-foot (3-meter) and 20-foot (6-meter) mission modules for the trucks, while Manac will provide trailers.

Soframe will provide armor for the vehicles, with GDLS-Canada serving as prime integrator.

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