Tank Replacement Project

Project summary

The Government of Canada is replacing the aging Leopard 1 main battle tank fleet. The Tank Replacement Project will provide the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with a short and long-term sustainable replacement. The total cost for the project is $650 million. This includes tanks loaned from Germany, the acquisition of 100 surplus tanks from the Netherlands, upgrades and enhancements to the new Leopard 2 fleet, and an initial acquisition of spare parts and tooling.

Since the Government of Canada announced the Tank Replacement Project in 2007, several contracts have been awarded. Phase 1 involves purchase of 100 surplus Leopard 2 tanks from the Netherlands, which will provide the CAF with a sustainable heavy, direct-fire capability until 2035. Phase 2 of the project involves the conversion of the Leopard 2 chassis into armoured recovery vehicles, and the inclusion of 120mm tank ammunition, special tools and test equipment, sub-calibre training devices, and spare parts.

Project phases

Currently in Phase 4: Implementation

 

1. Identification

1. Identification

  • Steps to be defined
2. Options analysis

2. Options analysis

  • Steps to be defined
3. Definition

3. Definition

  • Project approval: March 2007
4. Implementation

4. Implementation

  • Project approval: June 2009
  • Contract award Leopard 2 A4M: June 2009
  • Contract award Leopard 2 A4 CAN: August 2010
  • First delivery Leopard 2 A4M: October 2010
  • Initial operational capability: August 2007
  • Full operational capability: September 2017
5. Close-out

5. Close-out

  • December 2017

Additional information

Project updates

Project updates

Phase 1

December 2008
The Department of National Defence purchases 100 surplus Leopard 2 main battle tanks from the Government of the Netherlands.

May 2007
The CAF receive a loan of 20 Leopard 2 main battle tanks from the Government of Germany.

Phase 2

March 2016
13 of the 20 Leopard 2 A4M tanks complete the upgrade process.

June 2015
8 Armoured Recovery Vehicles are delivered.

January 2015
The Department of National Defence replaces in kind the 20 Leopard 2 A6M loaned to Canada by the Government of Germany.

October 2014
42 Leopard 2 A4 tanks are repaired and overhauled.

March 2012
20 upgraded Leopard 2 tanks are delivered to Canada.

Benefiting Canadian industry

Benefiting Canadian industry

Industrial and regional benefits

Contractors

Some of the links below lead to websites that are not part of the Government of Canada and  are available in English only

Technical information

About the Tank Replacement Project (TRP)

TRP technical specifications

Leopard 2A4 CAN Tank

  • Basic weight: 52 tonnes
  • Combat load: 54.7 tonnes
  • Length: 9.67 metres
  • Width:  3.70 metres
  • Height: 2.90 metres
  • Crew: 4 personnel, 0 passengers
  • Quantity: 42

Leopard 2A4M (Mine Protected) CAN Tank

  • Basic weight: 59.1 tonnes
  • Combat load: 61.8 tonnes
  • Length: 9.96 metres
  • Width:  4.07 metres
  • Height: 2.75 metres
  • Crew: 4 personnel, 0 passengers
  • Quantity: 20

Leopard 2A6M (Mine Protected) CAN Tank

  • Basic weight: 60.5 tonnes
  • Combat load: 64.1 tonnes
  • Length: 11.22 metres
  • Width:  4.24 metres
  • Height: 3.01 metres
  • Crew: 4 personnel, 0 passengers
  • Quantity: 20

Leopard 2 ARV 3 Armoured Recovery Vehicles

  • Basic weight: 55 tonnes
  • Combat load: 63.8 tonnes
  • Length: 9.50 metres
  • Width:  3.70 metres
  • Height: 2.86 metres
  • Crew: 3 personnel, 1 passenger
  • Quantity: 8
Project costs

Project costs

The total cost for the project is $650 million. This includes the tanks loaned from Germany, the acquisition of 100 surplus tanks from the Netherlands, the requisite upgrades and enhancements to the new Leopard 2 fleet, and an initial acquisition of spare parts and tooling.

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