Kongsberg Protech Systems (KPS) Canada has received a contract from Textron Systems Canada to support the national army’s tactical armoured patrol vehicle (TAPV) programme.
Valued at C$100m ($99.18m), the award serves as a subcontract to the original C$205m ($205.14m) deal signed between Textron and Rheinmetall Canada in October 2012.
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Under the latest contract, KPS will develop and supply dual remote weapon stations (DRWS), featuring two mounted weapons, which can be operated by both the vehicle commander and gunner.
The system can be operated from within the vehicle, enhancing safety and protection of soldiers by reducing exposure to enemy fire in the battlefield.
Textron Systems Canada general manager Neil Rutter said the DRWS would serve as a significant element of the TAPV, and KPS would help the company in bringing significant economic benefits to Canada.
"In the coming months, we will continue to sign agreements with other best-in-class Canadian suppliers who will help us deliver a fleet of Textron TAPVs that provide Canadian soldiers with unmatched performance and protection for decades," Rutter added.
KPS Canada president Jorn Buo said the contract would enable the company to strengthen itself further as a Canadian contributor to the ground-based defence industry.
Textron was selected in June 2012 as the prime contractor for the C$603.4m ($603.81m) TAPV programme, which covers the supply of 500 vehicles to the Canadian Army.
In addition, the award features an option for delivery of 100 additional TAPVs, while in-service support (ISS) will be provided under a separate five-year C$105.4m ($105.47m) contract.
Also included in the TAPV team is Engineering Office Deisenroth Canada (EODC), with additional local companies expected to join the supply chain as the programme moves ahead.
The TAPV programme focuses on delivering a wheeled combat vehicle that will ensure the army remains capable of conducting effective training, supporting domestic operations and sustaining deployed forces as part of Canada’s first defence strategy.
Image: Textron’s proposed tactical armoured patrol vehicle for the Canadian Army. Photo: © 2013 Rheinmetall Canada Inc.
