Canada Selects General Dynamics Land Systems-Led Team For New Logistics Vehicles
The Canadian government announced on January 10 that it had selected General Dynamics Land Systems Canada as its “preferred bidder” for new logistics vehicles, with GDLS Canada set to supply the Canadian Armed Forces with Mercedes-Benz Zetros logistics trucks.
GDLS Canada’s bid for the Logistics Vehicle Modernization project sees the company leading a Power Team composed of partners including Marshall Canada, Mercedes-Benz (Daimler Trucks), SOFRAME, and Manac. In a brief statement, GDLS Canada said that it was pleased to learn of the selection.
The Logistics Vehicle Modernization project will see the Canadian Armed Forces acquire a new fleet of light and heavy logistics vehicles, trailers, vehicle modules, armor protection kits, logistics support and initial in-service support. Following GDLS Canada’s selection as the preferred bidder, the Canadian government expects to officially award a contract in spring 2024, should final government approvals be given on schedule.
Canadian Minister of National Defence Bill Blair said of the selection:
“Through the Logistics Vehicle Modernization project, we are investing to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with modern logistics vehicles that will be used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies in support of operations at home and abroad. Today’s milestone is an important step forward in this project. This decision brings the Canadian Army closer to receiving the vehicles that it needs to continue to protect Canadians.”
According to Marshall Canada, the manufacturer of mission modules for the LVM trucks, the project will enable the creation of over 500 new direct employment opportunities in eastern Canada by 2028. In particular, the company expects production at its new Land Systems Moncton facility to boost New Brunswick’s fabricated metal manufacturing sector GDP by as much as 15 per cent by 2026, while driving export revenues to help address the province’s trade deficit in the sector.
“The selection of the Power Team as preferred bidder for LVM marks the start of a new era in our longstanding relationship with the Department of National Defence and our support for the CAF,” said Marshall Canada Executive Vice President Sam Michaud.
“As production ramps up at our brand new facility in Moncton, New Brunswick, delivering on LVM will offer some incredible opportunities to invest in hiring and training, while also identifying local supply chain partners for our made-in-Canada offering.” Completion of delivery of the new vehicles is set for 2031, with initial operational capability scheduled for 2027.