The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced today the arrival of the Leopard 2A4 Canadian tank as members of the Combat Training Centre’s Armour School showcased the dynamic fire-power and mobility of the latest platform of the Armoured Corps. The Government purchased the tanks from Netherlands in 2007 as part of a $650 million tank replacement project.
“Our government has a proven record of ensuring that the men and women of the Canadian Forces have the equipment they need to take on the challenges they face,” said Minister MacKay. “Our government’s procurement of this impressive platform will ensure the Canadian Forces have the capability they need to support future operations.”
The acquisition of these Leopard 2A4 Canadian tanks will allow armoured soldiers and officers to be ready to respond to the tasks assigned by the Government now and into the future. This continues to demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting Canadian interests at home and abroad.
“The government invests in our soldiers by giving them the equipment needed to get the job done,” said Major-General Steve Bowes, Commander of Land Force Doctrine and Training System. “The Leopard 2A4 Canadian tank is a key component in the training of tank crews and the combined arms team.”
A total of 42 Leopard 2A4 Canadian tanks will be delivered to the Army by the end of 2013, with the first five currently serving at the Armour School at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. These five Leopard 2A4 Canadian tanks have already been integrated into training and are playing a key role in preparing armoured soldiers and officers for the challenges of the future.
The intensity and complexity of recent military operations in Afghanistan have shown that main battle tanks like the Leopard 2A4 Canadian tank are essential to provide soldiers with the protection, mobility and firepower that cannot be matched by light armoured vehicles.
Background Information
Fact Sheet: Leopard 2A4 Canadian Tank
The Leopard 2A4 derives its superior fighting capabilities from its optimal combination of firepower, protection, mobility, and controllability.
The Leopard 2A4 tank is equipped with a L44 smoothbore 120mm tank cannon, capable of firing modern ammunition types such as Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot, High Explosive Anti-Tank, Multi-Purpose Tracer, High Explosive –Tracer, and Canister. The modular design of the Leopard 2 allows for future modernization and upgrading that will maintain it as a dominant feature on the battlefield.
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