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
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
- Learn more about the Defence procurement process
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
- Tank Replacement—Armoured Recovery Vehicles
- Tank Replacement—Simulators and Trainers
- Tank Replacement—Urgent Operation
Contractors
Some of the links below lead to websites that are not part of the Government of Canada and are available in English only
- Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG (KMW)
- Upgrades to Leopard 2 A4M and A6M
- Rheinmetall Defence
- Repair and overhaul of Leopard 2 A4
- General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems – Canada
- Munition Supply Program
- Kongsberg Defence Systems
- Repair, overhaul and conversion of RWS
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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