GDLS awarded $28 million

The Government of Canada has awarded a $28 million contract to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada to provide 25 additional RG-31 Mine Protected Vehicles.

This order is an option to a contract originally awarded in November 2005 that called for the delivery of 50 RG-31 vehicles. Vehicle deliveries were completed in April 2006. Deliveries of the additional 25 vehicles will take place between September and November 2006.

Under this contract, General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada provides program management and engineering and logistics support while BAE Land Systems OMC of South Africa manufactures the vehicles. The vehicles incorporate a Kongsberg Protector M151 Remote Weapon Station equipped with a day and night sighting system, which allows the operator to fire the weapon while remaining protected within the vehicle.

The RG-31 tactical vehicle is said to offer enhanced mine blast resistance as well as protection against improvised explosive devices and ballistic threats. The vehicles, currently being used by the Canadian Forces in their operations in Afghanistan, have already proven their worth when an RG-31 survived a significant roadside bomb explosion earlier in the year.