OREANDA-NEWS. August 19, 2016. Keeping with the Government of Canada’s commitment to providing Canadian Armed Forces personnel with the equipment and training they need to carry out important missions at home and abroad, the first six Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPV) arrived at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown on Friday, August 12.

Starting next week, the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown will start the first iteration of training on the new vehicle. The initial cadre training for operators and maintainers will be provided by Field Service Representatives from Textron Systems Canada Inc. with oversight provided by the Canadian Army’s Directorate of Land Requirements and the Combat Training Centre.

Following inspection and acceptance of the vehicles, the Canadian Army is now preparing to operate the TAPV. This initial cadre training is another phase in the delivery and fielding of this important vehicle. The TAPV is part of a fleet of multipurpose vehicles to be used in both domestic and expeditionary operations. They are mobile and provide a high degree of protection for the crew.

Quotes

“As a former member of the Canadian Army reserves, I can speak first-hand to the importance of reaching this milestone in the TAPV project.  The rigorous testing that was involved in preparation to receive these vehicles has resulted in a design that will help to ensure our Canadian Armed Forces are well-equipped and properly sustained to succeed at operations.”

Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

The delivery of the first six Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles to the Canadian Army demonstrates our Government’s commitment to provide our men and women in uniform with the right equipment to do their jobs, while ensuring that taxpayers are getting the best value for their money.”

Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada

“The design, purpose and the variety of roles the TAPV was built to perform will only enhance the capability of the Canadian Army and ensure our soldiers have the equipment required to perform their role in support of operations.”

Brigadier-General Derek A. Macaulay, Chief of Staff Army Strategy, Canadian Army Headquarters

Quick Facts

  • In June 2012, Textron Systems Canada Inc. (Ottawa, Ontario) was awarded two contracts. One contract was for the acquisition of 500 vehicles, valued at \\$603.4 million, and the second contract was for vehicle support valued at \\$105.4 million.
  • The Department of National Defence will procure a total of 500 vehicles with final delivery expected in December 2017. There is also an option for an additional 100 vehicles.  
  • The TAPV will partially replace the Coyote Light Armoured Vehicle, completely replace the Armoured Patrol Vehicle RG-31 and complement the Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled. 
  • The TAPV was acquired with the view to perform a variety of battlefield roles, including but not limited to, reconnaissance, surveillance, security, command and control, cargo and as a protected troop transport. The vehicle’s mobility and crew protection characteristics enable it to be employed within a wide spectrum of potential operational environments.    
  • The TAPV was chosen after a rigorous evaluation process that included testing for mobility, firepower, survivability and human factors, as well as a paper-based evaluation of other technical and financial criteria.
  • The TAPV will provide a very high degree of protection to the crew while remaining highly mobile. It is designed to tackle tough terrain in any environment, providing troops with a cross-country capability, and a greater flexibility in traversing various routes.