Rheinmetall Defence, As part of the Canadian Forces' Army Transformation initiative, the new Direct Fire Squadrons will include Multi-Mission Effects Vehicles (MMEV).
The MMEV is built on proven technology from the Canadian Forces' existing Air Defence Anti-Tank System (ADATS), which will be upgraded by Oerlikon Contraves Canada for today's more complex missions. Oerlikon Contraves Canada is a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Defence/Germany.
The MMEV will:
-Provide the Army with a non line-of-sight engagement capability for ground targets.
-Have range overmatch in its anti-armour capability.
-Effectively operate with air defence systems in a joint or coalition environment.
-Provide Canada a vital point protection and surveillance system for homeland defence.
To create the MMEV, ADATS turrets will be adapted to the GDLS Canadian built 8×8 Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) chassis common to the CF's existing vehicles. The MMEV's new chassis will enhance the system's tactical and strategic mobility. This improvement will make it easier to conduct operations ranging from peace support missions to high-intensity conflicts, which require speed, agility, and deployability.
The MMEV's weapon and fire control system will be enhanced with a robust Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) capability. The MMEV's full integration into the ISTAR architecture will enable it to participate in a beyond visual range engagement theatre of operations. Using a new 3D radar and the latest generation infrared, electro-optical systems, the MMEV will be able to detect and track threats on the ground and in the air. These sophisticated sensors will enable the MMEV to engage targets at greater ranges and with higher precision, adding to the safety of our soldiers by minimizing the likelihood of fratricide and collateral damage.
Equipped with the original ADATS missiles as well as with two other missiles types, the MMEV will be able to engage ground targets directly or indirectly in collaborative engagement scenarios with TOW under armour and the mobile gun system. The MMEV will be able to engage targets designated by others, such as the operator of an unmanned aerial vehicle or even an individual soldier. Conversely, the MMEV will be able to cue other platforms to engage targets it has detected. Furthermore, the MMEV will retain ADATS' air defence capability to defeat conventional air threats and targets of low visual or radar cross-section, such as UAVs, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
The MMEV together with the new mobile gun system and TOW under armour vehicles will provide the Canadian Forces a direct fire capability greater than the sum of its parts. Oerlikon Contraves' MMEV will enable Army Transformation.
