London, Ontario — On Monday, General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLSC) hosted a virtual ceremony to celebrate the official roll-out of the brand new armoured combat support vehicle (ACSV).
The ACSV was created for the Canadian military, the vehicle is designed to be more mobile to have a longer operating range and have better protection for soldiers.
Over the four years, 360 ACVSs will be built for the Canadian army to be used in combat support roles for troop and cargo vehicles, ambulances, command post and repair.
Another ACSV design is still in the works and will operate as an ambulance. Jason Monohan, vice president of GDLSC says they expect it to be completed by this summer.
“‘We are so grateful for the ongoing support for advanced manufacturing in London, and for this facility in particular, the positive economic impact represented by GDLS Canada is felt not only here in London but across the province and around the country,” said London Mayor Ed Holder.
The contract will support over 1, 700 jobs at GDLSC’s London site and will benefit thousands of direct and indirect businesses.
The subcontracts are said to represent over $137 million in investments to over 30 Canadian businesses, creating and sustaining over 400 jobs across the country, the Canadian Armed Forces said in a release.
These vehicles will replace the current fleet of M113 Tracked Light Armoured Vehicle (TLAV) and the LAV II Bison.
The first vehicle was manufactured in December 2020 and deliveries will continue up until Feb. 2025.
