$5 Billion for New Combat Vehicles on CBC's The National

A LAV in Afghanistan, similar to the ones to be purchased by the Canadian military

A LAV in Afghanistan, similar to the ones to be purchased by the Canadian military. (CBC)

On July 8th the Government of Canada announced a new investment of $5 billion for the purchase of new Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) and the upgrading of exisiting LAVs in the armed forces’ fleet. Nearly $4 billion will go towards the procurment of 108 close-combat vehicles and 500 tactical armoured patrol vehicles. New vehicles are expected to enter service in 2012, with the entire fleet operational by 2015. This entry into service falls after Canada’s intended withdrawal from combat operations in Afghanistan in 2011.

The Rideau Institute’s Anthony Salloum was featured in The National’s piece, offering insight into the rising cost of the war in Afghanistan, as evidenced by this new spending. See The National item here, and accompanying article here.

Tags: Afghanistan, LAVs