Canada orders 85 new HX 8x8 heavy recovery trucks from Rheinmetall.

On November 14, 2024, Rheinmetall was awarded a contract by the Canadian government to support the Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC) project for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Valued at $325 million CAD ($230 million USD), the contract spans five years and includes the delivery of 85 HX 8x8 tactical trucks equipped with heavy towing and recovery modules. An additional in-service support contract worth $28.9 million CAD ($20.5 million USD) is also part of the agreement. The first vehicles are scheduled for delivery in 2027.
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The HX 8x8 heavy recovery vehicle is equipped with a capstan winch with a pulling force of 250 kN, a boom extension of 10 meters capable of lifting 13 tons, and an underlift with a hook load capacity of 15 tons. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The HX 8x8 trucks are designed to replace the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)'s current fleet of heavy recovery vehicles, providing advanced capabilities to recover and tow newer and heavier armored and logistical vehicles. These vehicles come equipped with recovery modules, integrated rotary cranes for container handling, and additional crane systems to address a variety of recovery and logistical needs. They are engineered for operational reliability in demanding conditions.

The HX platform, manufactured by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, is currently in service with 20 nations, including NATO members, Commonwealth countries, Singapore, and Japan. The trucks are utilized in both military and non-military scenarios, such as domestic disaster relief, humanitarian support, and combat operations. The platform's widespread adoption promotes interoperability and logistical advantages among its operators.

The ERC project focuses on replacing the CAF’s Heavy Logistic Vehicle Wheeled (HLVW) Wrecker/Recovery configuration. Its goal is to modernize the recovery capability to handle the challenges posed by newer and heavier armored fighting and logistics vehicles. The project aims to update, rationalize, and replace in-service recovery systems and equipment to meet the operational needs of the CAF’s Regular, Reserve, and Joint units. The upgraded system will enable diverse recovery operations, including extracting and winching mired wheeled vehicles, righting overturned vehicles in a controlled manner, lifting vehicles and logistics containers, and providing suspended towing for damaged or unserviceable vehicles.

The project’s funding is estimated at $250 million to $499 million CAD ($177 million to $354 million USD). The options analysis phase has been completed, and the definition phase is underway. Implementation is scheduled to begin in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, with initial deliveries expected in 2026/2027 and final deliveries in 2027/2028. The ERC project involves collaboration among multiple companies. Rheinmetall Canada serves as the prime contractor, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles provides the HX trucks, Miller Industries Towing Equipment (based in the United States) supplies the towing and recovery systems, and Rotzler Holding (with operations in Germany and Canada) delivers hydraulic winches and winch systems..

The HX 8x8 heavy recovery vehicles measure 10.9 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, 3.5 meters in height, with a gross vehicle mass of 38,000 kg for unarmored configurations and 41,000 kg for armored configurations. The trucks are powered by a MAN D26 engine producing 540 horsepower, coupled with a ZF Ecolife 7 automatic transmission, and meet Euro 5 emissions standards. Recovery equipment features a capstan winch with a pulling force of 250 kN, a boom extension of 10 meters capable of lifting 13 tons, and an underlift with a hook load capacity of 15 tons. The vehicles adhere to European safety standards, with safety systems reviewed by an independent third party.

Rheinmetall Canada, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, has operated in Canada for over 35 years, specializing in system integration, real-time command and control, communication solutions, and other defense technologies. Its involvement in the ERC project is expected to deliver industrial and regional benefits, fostering employment and investment opportunities. Rheinmetall Canada has previously contributed over $1.5 billion CAD in Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) and Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB).