Training to commence this week on the new Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles

The first six Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPV), acquired by the Government of Canada for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), arrived at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown on Friday, Aug. 12 and training on the new vehicles will commence next week.

“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,” said Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan.

The first iteration of training on the new vehicle 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.

In June 2012, Textron Systems Canada Inc. was awarded two contracts, one for the acquisition of 500 vehicles, valued at $603.4 million; and the other for vehicle support valued at $105.4 million.

The Department of Defense (DND) plans to procure a total of 500 vehicles by December 2017, with a possibility of an additional 100 vehicles.

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

After inspection and acceptance of the vehicles, CAF members are now in the phase of operating the TAPV, which is expected to be used in both domestic and expeditionary operations and will provide a high degree of protection for the crew. The TAPV will be used in the battlefield for reconnaissance, surveillance, security, command and control, cargo and as a protected troop transport.

According to a DND/CAF press release, the TAPV was chosen after a rigorous evaluation that analyzed the vehicles abilities of mobility, firepower, survivability and human factors as well as paper-based evaluation of other technical and financial criteria.

The TAPV is designed to navigate rough terrain in various environments that will provide troops with flexibility to travel cross-country and various routes.

“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,” stated BGen. Derek A. Macaulay, Chief of Staff Army Strategy.

The TAPV will compliment the Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled while partially replace the Coyote Light Armoured Vehicle and entirely replace the Armoured Patrol Vehicle RG-31.