General Dynamics Canada presents LAV 6.0 Mk II 8x8 with new turret offering greater firepower.

According to information published on the official Facebook account of General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada on May 29, 2025, the company unveiled its most advanced Light Armored Vehicle platform to date, the LAV 6.0 Mk II, during the CANSEC 2025 defense exhibition in Ottawa, Canada. This new variant integrates new weapon station armed with loitering munitions, a 30mm automatic cannon, and anti-tank guided missile launchers, showcasing a major leap in battlefield capability for the Canadian Armed Forces. The unveiling of this highly evolved vehicle reflects Canada’s strategic push to modernize its land combat systems and reinforce operational readiness across domestic and allied missions.
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General Dynamics Land Systems Canada displays LAV 60 Mk II with new weapon turret at CANSEC 2025 defense exhibition in Ottawa, Canada. (Picture source: Facebook General Dynamics)

The LAV 6.0 Mk II builds upon the legacy of the LAV III, which served as the backbone of Canadian infantry mobility for nearly two decades. The LAV III fleet has now been entirely replaced by the LAV 6.0, officially designated as the Canadian Army’s primary infantry fighting vehicle. This all-weather platform provides superior protection against ballistic threats and improvised explosive devices, thanks in part to its battle-proven Double-V hull design. Capable of speeds up to 100 km/h on roads and fording hard-bottomed water obstacles up to 1.5 meters deep, the LAV 6.0 delivers unmatched tactical mobility across a variety of terrains.

One of the most striking features of the Mk II version is its armament. The vehicle is fitted with a stabilized 30mm automatic cannon capable of engaging enemy personnel, light armor, and defensive positions with precision while on the move. A coaxial 7.62mm machine gun supports this primary weapon system for close-in threat engagement. Mounted atop the turret is a dual-launch system for anti-tank guided missiles, giving the LAV 6.0 Mk II the ability to neutralize heavily armored threats at extended ranges.

The vehicle integrates loitering munitions directly into its mission systems in a key modernization leap. These aerial systems enable real-time reconnaissance and precision strikes on high-value or time-sensitive targets well beyond the line of sight, significantly increasing the vehicle's tactical reach and operational flexibility. This capability allows infantry commanders to deliver decisive effects with minimal exposure to direct combat.

The powertrain of the LAV 6.0 Mk II includes a water-cooled, six-cylinder, 450-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine, combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Depending on terrain, the operator can select between four-wheel and eight-wheel drive, giving the vehicle exceptional agility in urban, open-field, or rugged operational environments. This mechanical configuration not only boosts speed and responsiveness but also enhances fuel efficiency and reliability under prolonged deployment conditions.

The LAV 6.0 family is central to Canada’s broader force modernization plan. On August 19, 2019, the Canadian government awarded General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada a major contract to acquire 360 Armored Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) based on the LAV 6.0 platform. This strategic procurement program aims to replace aging fleets of LAV II Bison and M113 tracked vehicles with a new generation of armored platforms that are better suited to current and future operational requirements.

The LAV 6.0, a direct evolution of the LAV III, integrates key enhancements including a more powerful 450-horsepower engine, upgraded suspension, advanced digital systems, and enhanced protection features such as the double-V hull and energy-attenuating seating to increase crew survivability in high-threat environments. These design advancements were developed to meet the demands of contemporary warfare, particularly in asymmetrical and multi-domain conflict scenarios.

The ACSV fleet includes eight mission-specific variants: Troop Cargo Vehicle, Ambulance, Command Post, Electronic Warfare, Engineer, Fitter/Cargo Vehicle, Maintenance and Recovery, and Mobile Repair Team. This wide array of configurations ensures logistical and operational versatility across the full spectrum of Canadian Armed Forces missions, from combat deployments to humanitarian support.

As of February 2024, 118 ACSVs had already been delivered to the Canadian Army, with full operational capability for the program expected by 2027. This timeline aligns with the broader objectives of the national defense policy "Strong, Secure, Engaged," which emphasizes the renewal of core capabilities and enhanced readiness of Canada’s land forces.

The debut of the LAV 6.0 Mk II at CANSEC 2025 represents more than the unveiling of a new vehicle—it signals a shift in Canada’s approach to land combat power, placing emphasis on modularity, multi-mission readiness, and advanced combat integration. With strong export potential and operational relevance for NATO-aligned forces, the LAV 6.0 Mk II stands as a flagship symbol of Canadian defense innovation and a cornerstone of national military strength into the next decade.