The current CAF fleets of light (LSVW) and heavy logistics trucks (HLVW and HESV) and their associated equipment are in need of replacement due to their age and decreasing ability to meet operational requirements.

The Logistics Vehicle Modernization project will modernize and improve the light and heavy portion of the Logistics Fleets through the acquisition of new fleets of light and heavy logistics vehicles, trailers, vehicle modules, and armour protection kits. These vehicles are used by the CAF to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies in support of operations at home and abroad in support of Canadian National interests. They will also transport modules that can be used as spaces for functions such as cargo space, troop lift, ambulances, workshops, and command posts.

The project has a projected budget of $1-2 billion CAD, and will provide equipment with a minimum life expectancy of 20 years. This new, modern fleet will be able to carry a larger load, be more mobile, and provide increased protection to help ensure the CAF can continue meeting national and global missions. These missions will include situations such as disaster relief both in Canada and abroad during emergencies such as flooding, combat support, and peacekeeping overseas.

The LVM project will deliver one variant of light truck, four variants of light trailers, 14 variants of modules and an armour protection solution. It will also deliver seven variants of heavy truck, three variants of trailer, two variants of tractor trailer, five variants of module, flat racks and an armour protection system.

The LVM Request for Proposals (RFP) was released on December 9th 2021, and the project is currently under bid evaluation and a contract award is expected in 2023/24. The expected fielding date for Initial Operational Capability is likely not earlier than FY 27/28 according to a CAF document.

The LVM project is in addition to the separate Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) Standard Military Pattern (SMP) project which is the medium fleet solution that is already in service.

The Logistics Vehicle Modernization project will acquire new fleets of light and heavy logistics vehicles, trailers, vehicle modules, and armour protection kits. These vehicles are used by the CAF to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies in support of operations at home and abroad. They will also transport modules that can be used as spaces for functions such as cargo space, troop lift, ambulances, workshops, and command posts.

This new, modern fleet will be able to carry a larger load, be more mobile, and provide increased protection to help ensure the CAF can continue meeting national and global missions. These missions will include situations such as disaster relief both in Canada and abroad during emergencies such as flooding, combat support, and peacekeeping overseas.

January 2024:

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has identified General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada as the preferred bidder for the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project. 

The Power Team is made up of GDLS-Canada, Marshall Land Systems Canada, Mercedes Benz, Soframe and Manac. Mercedes-Benz will provide the chassis for both the light and heavy vehicles, offering the Zetros, one of the stars in the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks line. Specifically designed as an off-road vehicle, the Zetros is at its best in demanding transport tasks for heavy payload in austere conditions. The Zetros provides superior highway and cross-country performance because of its precision chassis design and robust components, which ensure fast and safe driving over varying types of ground.

Marshall will produce a range of interchangeable containerised mission modules capable of being mounted onto Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks, which will provide the common vehicle chassis across all configurations.

The identification of General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada as the preferred bidder represents a significant milestone in the competitive procurement process and follows a rigorous bid evaluation process. A contract is anticipated to be awarded to the company in spring 2024, conditional on final government approvals.

Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy applies to this procurement and requires the supplier to make investments in Canada equal to the value of the acquisition.

To support Indigenous participation in the delivery of the project, the preferred bidder is required to submit an Indigenous Participation Plan after contract award. This plan aims to commit up to 5% of the contract value to support the employment of Indigenous Peoples and the procurement of goods and services from Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.