In a significant boost to its defense capabilities, GM Defense Canada, a subsidiary of GM Defense, has secured a C$35.8 million contract to supply 90 light tactical vehicles (LTVs) to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The contract also includes an option for an additional 18 LTVs, underscoring the strategic partnership between GM Defense Canada and the CAF. The contract encompasses training, technical manuals, and additional vehicle content sourced from Canadian companies.
GM Defense Canada will deliver both nine-passenger LTVs and a new utility variant, leveraging a proven design currently fielded by the U.S. Army. These LTVs will support the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Multinational Battlegroup in Latvia, enhancing the mobility, speed, range, and safety of soldiers across complex terrains.
“We are providing this critical capability to the Canadian Armed Forces within a timeline that meets their urgent operational requirement,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “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.”
Kristian Aquilina, president and managing director of GM Canada, highlighted the importance of this contract: “General Motors’ support of the Canadian Armed Forces with this contract is a prime example of the meaningful contributions GM makes in Canada. Whether it’s the supply of light tactical vehicles through GM Defense Canada or the contributions of our Canadian Technical Centre in supporting the development of those vehicles, we are pleased GM can also make an impact in the defense space.”
The LTV solutions are based on the mid-size architecture of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, featuring a high percentage of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) parts, including Chevrolet Performance components for enhanced off-road capability. Weighing less than 5000 pounds (2232 kilograms), the light and agile vehicles offer air transportability and ease of maintenance, with parts accessible through GM’s global supply chain. These LTVs also meet CAF’s stringent performance and safety requirements with their active and passive safety features.
