ARMORED LAV 6

In July 2009, the Canadian Department of National Defence announced a $5 billion investment to improve, replace, and repair the Army's armoured vehicles. Part of these funds would be used to replace and repair LAV IIIs damaged by wear and tear during operations in Afghanistan. At the time, nearly a third of the Army's light armoured vehicles were out of service.^[5] The LAV IIIs would be modernized with improved protection and automotive components.^[6] The Canadian Armed Forces lost over 34 vehicles and 359 were damaged during their mission in Afghanistan. The Canadian Army lost 13 LAVs and over 159 were damaged by improvised explosive devices or enemy fire.^[7] Of the $5 billion announced, approximately 20% would be dedicated to modernizing the LAV IIIs. This modernization would extend their lifespan until 2035. The remaining $4 billion would be invested in a new family of land combat vehicles.^[8] The Department of National Defence considered purchasing vehicles to accompany the Leopard 2 and support the LAV III in combat. The CV90, the Puma (IFV), and the Infantry Fighting Vehicle were the most likely candidates for this role. A contract for 108 units, with an option for 30 additional units, was considered,^{[9] [10] [11]} but a combination of budget cuts and modernizations of the existing LAV III fleet led the Canadian Army to cancel its order for 108 CV90s.^[12]

In October 2011, the Canadian government announced a $1.1 billion contract with General Dynamics Land Systems for the modernization of 550 LAV III combat vehicles. The government stated that this modernization was necessary to improve protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which were responsible for many Canadian soldiers' deaths in Afghanistan. These improvements will also extend the vehicles' lifespan until 2035 and enhance troop mobility.^{[13] [14] [15]} The enhancements include a more powerful engine, enhanced armour, and improved steering and braking systems. The LAV III's turret hatches will be enlarged, and the fire control, thermal, day and night vision, and data display systems will be upgraded. The vehicle's weight will increase from 17,000 kg to 25,000 kg.^{[16] [17]} The first of 66 modernized LAV IIIs was delivered on February 1, 2013.^[18] The success of the modernization program and budget constraints led to the cancellation of the close combat vehicle replacement program later that year.^[19]

In September 2012, the initial contract valued at $1.064 billion to modernize 550 LAV III variants (infantry section transport, command post, observation post, and engineering vehicle) to LAV 6 configuration was modified. This modification included an additional $151 million for the modernization of 66 LAV IIIs to LAV 6 equipped with a LAV Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (LRSS).^[20]

In February 2017, GDLS – Canada was awarded a $404 million order to modernize 141 LAV vehicles under the LORIT (LAV Operational Requirements Integration) project. This contract will upgrade the remaining LAV III fleet of the Canadian Army to the LAV 6 configuration. The total cost of the Canadian Army's LAV III modernization program (LAVUP) thus amounts to $1.8 billion.^[21]

The final completion and delivery of the Canadian Army's LAV III modernization program (LAVUP) to upgrade the LAV III to LAV 6 were expected to be completed by December 2019.^[22]

Made of high-quality PVC, this patch measures 5.7 cm high and 9.5 cm wide. It features a hook-and-loop backing for easy attachment to any velcro surface.