Mark Carney Announces $2 Billion Armoured Vehicle Deal

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the Canadian government will invest nearly $2 billion over four years to purchase 190 armoured combat support vehicles (ACSVs). Manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada in London, Ontario, the procurement will increase the Canadian Armed Forces' total fleet from 360 to 550 vehicles. These vehicles will be used for training exercises at military bases across the country, with 35 units specifically produced to support Ukraine's defense against Russia.

General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the first company designated as a strategic partner under a new Defence Industrial Strategy. This framework aims to build sovereign military capabilities, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and help Canada meet NATO's 2% defence spending target. The government expects the partnership to create or sustain over 6,000 high-paying jobs annually for eight years, utilizing a supply chain of more than 600 providers nationwide.

Government officials framed the investment as a necessary step to deter Russian aggression and assert sovereignty in the Arctic. Minister of National Defence David McGuinty stated that such partnerships are fundamental to ensuring the military has the capabilities needed to defend Canada. Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly and Minister of Government Transformation Joël Lightbound highlighted the strategy's role in job creation and placing Canadian workers at the center of defence investments.