Canadian Army Advances Arctic Mobility with New Tracked Vehicle Acquisition
The Canadian Army is moving forward with a significant modernization initiative designed to enhance its operational capabilities in the challenging Arctic environment. The Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project represents a strategic effort to replace the military's aging fleet of BV-206 tracked vehicles, which have been in service since their acquisition from a Swedish manufacturer in the 1980s.
Timeline and Procurement Details for the DAME Initiative
According to documents obtained by the Ottawa Citizen, defense industry representatives received briefings in April 2025 indicating that a formal request for bids would be issued in 2027, with the first new vehicles expected to become operational by 2031. However, conflicting information has emerged regarding the exact timeline. A September 2025 article in Canadian Army Today, a publication associated with the military, suggests that the request for bids could be released as early as 2026, followed by contract awards in 2027.
The Canadian Forces and Department of National Defence have maintained a cautious approach to public disclosure, declining to answer specific questions about the DAME project submitted by the Ottawa Citizen in January 2026. Despite this official silence, procurement plans appear to be progressing, with the entire fleet of new vehicles projected to be fully operational by 2032.
Budgetary Considerations and Vehicle Specifications
The financial scope of the DAME project remains uncertain, with significant discrepancies in reported cost estimates. Industry briefings from April 2025 indicated a budget range between $100 million and $249 million, while the Department of National Defence's official website lists the project budget at $500 million to $1 billion. This substantial variance highlights the evolving nature of the procurement process and the potential for scope adjustments as planning continues.
The acquisition plan calls for the purchase of up to 170 new tracked vehicles across four distinct variants:
- Command post configuration
- Troop carrier variant
- Cargo carrier model
- Ambulance version
These vehicles will feature a two-person crew capacity while transporting up to eight soldiers. With an operational range of 300 kilometres and the ability to function independently for 72 hours without support, the new platforms will significantly enhance the Canadian Army's Arctic mobility and sustainability. The project also includes procurement of specialized trailers and comprehensive long-term maintenance packages.
Current Fleet Status and Industry Competition
The existing BV-206 fleet has suffered from decades of service in harsh Arctic conditions. According to DND spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin, as of May 2023, the Canadian Army maintained only 18 operational BV-206s, while the Royal Canadian Air Force operated 15 additional carriers. Another 55 vehicles were being dismantled for spare parts before disposal, underscoring the urgent need for replacement.
"The DAME project is a priority for the Army," Poulin emphasized during her 2023 statement, highlighting the strategic importance of this modernization effort.
Industry competition for the lucrative contract is already taking shape. General Dynamics Land Systems, based in London, Ontario, has formed a strategic partnership with BAE Systems to propose the BvS10 Beowulf platform as a potential solution. At least one additional bidder is expected to enter the competition, ensuring a robust evaluation process for the Canadian Army's next-generation Arctic mobility platform.
This comprehensive vehicle replacement initiative represents a critical investment in Canada's northern defense capabilities, ensuring that military personnel have access to modern, reliable equipment for operations in one of the world's most challenging environments.
