London industry has landed a $404 million military contract, preserving 250 manufacturing jobs.
General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, on Oxford Street, is getting cash from the Canadian federal government to upgrade 141 of the Canadian Army’s LAV III combat vehicles -- made in London -- extending their life to 2035.
“We are committed to delivering highly protected, flexible and capable vehicles to our soldiers and the LAV 6.0 provides the Canadian Army with best-in-class protection and mobility,” said Danny Deep, vice president of General Dynamics Land Systems Canada.
“This announcement is welcome news to the London area and to our suppliers across Canada whose jobs will be sustained with this additional work.”
The upgrade program delivers vehicles in what GDLS is calling its new LAV 6.0 configuration. The upgrades include the double-V hull, greater armour protection and mobility.
It is the second major announcement for the Canadian military's LAV III program in recent years. In 2011, Ottawa awarded GDLS Canada a $1.064 billion contract to upgrade LAVs.
This announcement brings to 550 the number of Canadian LAV IIIs, with upgrades.