GM Defense Canada, a subsidiary of GM Defense, has secured a C$35.8 million contract from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for 90 light tactical vehicles (LTVs), with an option to purchase up to an additional 18 LTVs. As part of the contract, GM Defense Canada will also provide training, technical manuals, and additional vehicle components sourced from Canadian companies.
The contract includes the supply of both nine-passenger LTVs and a new utility variant, modeled on a proven design currently deployed by the U.S. Army. These LTVs will support the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Multinational Battlegroup in Latvia, enhancing soldiers’ mobility, speed, range, and safety across challenging terrains.
“We are delivering this crucial capability to the Canadian Armed Forces within a timeframe that meets their urgent operational needs,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “This contract marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership with the CAF, aimed at providing enhanced tactical mobility for soldiers today and into the future. As we expand into Canada and other allied nations, we will leverage General Motors’ vast resources to ensure our global defense and government customers have the best capability to accomplish their missions.”
“General Motors’ support of the Canadian Armed Forces with this contract is a prime example of the significant contributions GM makes in Canada,” said Kristian Aquilina, president and managing director of GM Canada. “From the supply of light tactical vehicles through GM Defense Canada to the contributions of our Canadian Technical Centre in developing these vehicles, we are proud that GM can make a meaningful impact in the defense sector.”
GM Defense Canada’s 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), these lightweight and agile tactical vehicles offer air transportability, ease of maintenance, and sustainment through GM’s global supply chain. Reliable and easy to operate, the LTVs also include active and passive safety features, meeting the CAF’s performance and safety requirements.
