Canada to Deliver First Batch of 10 ACSV 8x8 Armored Vehicles to Ukraine This Summer.

On April 26, 2024, during the 21st Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Bill Blair, Canadian Minister of National Defence announced that the first 10 of 50 Armored Combat Support Vehicles (ACSV) that Canada will donate to Ukraine will be delivered to Europe this summer. Ukrainians will be trained on the armored vehicles in the summer, and the combat vehicles will move to Ukraine in the fall. These vehicles are built by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in London, Ontario.
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The ACSV is a new 8x8 armored vehicle designed and manufactured by General Dynamics Canada. (Picture source GDLS Canada)

The UDCG (Ukraine Defense Contact Group ) was created by the United States Secretary of Defense in April 2022 to allow Allies and partners to synchronize donations, consult, and coordinate military assistance to Ukraine, and build the capabilities of the AFU. Convening monthly at the ministerial level, the UDCG now brings together more than 50 countries.

Canada is a member of the UDCG’s Armour, Air Force, and Drone coalition capabilities, which were established by UDCG members to strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities in particular areas.

Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $4 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. This includes Leopard 2 main battle tanks, armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more. Canada is also contributing to multinational efforts to train pilots and maintain and support Ukraine’s F-16s.

The Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV) is a modern initiative by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-Canada) to supply the Canadian Army with a new fleet of armored vehicles. The project encompasses the production of 360 ACSVs based on the LAV 6.0 platform. These vehicles are designed to replace older fleets, such as the M113 Tracked Light Armoured Vehicle (TLAV) and the LAV II Bison. The ACSVs will serve in various roles including troop transport, ambulances, command posts, and mobile repair units, enhancing the Canadian Armed Forces' capabilities both domestically and internationally.

The contract, valued at approximately $2 billion, was awarded in September 2019, with production beginning in late summer 2020. Deliveries of these vehicles are scheduled to continue through to February 2025. The ACSVs are set to provide crucial support across a range of military operations, from disaster relief to peace support missions. This project not only aims to bolster the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces but also supports Canadian jobs and technological innovation across multiple provinces.

The Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV), developed by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, is built on the LAV 6.0 chassis, known for its robust design and enhanced mobility capabilities. This platform is crucial for allowing the vehicle to navigate diverse terrains, making it highly effective for various military operations. The ACSV program includes several variants to serve different roles within the Canadian Armed Forces, such as troop/cargo transport, ambulances, command posts, engineers, electronic warfare, maintenance recovery, and mobile repair teams. Each variant is tailored to meet specific operational needs, ensuring flexibility across different combat support scenarios.

The vehicles are equipped with advanced armor protection, improving safety against ballistic and explosive threats. This is a significant upgrade over older models, providing better security for the troops. Additionally, the integration of modern communication and management systems enhances the operational capabilities of the ACSV, allowing for effective coordination and command during missions.

With today's updates, Canada's total pledged support to Ukraine now surpasses $9.5 billion in varied assistance since early 2022. This includes recent commitments by the Prime Minister in July to continue and broaden Operation REASSURANCE, which forms part of NATO’s defense and deterrence strategies in Eastern Europe.

Defense News April 2024