Canadian Army seeks to accelerate Close Combat Vehicle project

The Canadian Army is trying to move the CAD2.2 billion (USD2 billion) Close Combat Vehicle (CCV) acquisition project forward quickly, before the minority Conservative government changes, or changes its mind.

The project to acquire up to 138 CCVs was announced by the government in July, but plans to issue a solicitation of interest and qualification on 15 September, to be followed swiftly by a request for proposals, have been delayed to give some of the competitors more time to organise their industrial benefits proposals.

Under current plans, the 30-45 tonne CCV will not replace a current vehicle, but will bridge the gap between the army's LAV III 8x8 light armoured vehicles and Leopard 2A4 and A6 tanks. The army wants the CCV to be able to deliver fully equipped infantry and forward artillery observers to the battle area for close combat operations, in medium- to high-threat environments, with, where necessary, Leopard tank support.