New Bids For Canada’s Close Combat Vehicle Program

Nexter Systems has confirmed it has submitted a bid in response to Canada’s RFP for the Close Combat Vehicle (CCV). Nexter will offer the VBCI 25, currently in service with the French Army in both Afghanistan and Lebanon, according to the company. “The VBCI is a state of the art platform with an excellent combination of protection, mobility and firepower” Patrick Lier, Nexter’s Vice President, Sales & Business Development, North America, noted in a statement released Tuesday. “Perhaps its most significant feature is its thick aluminum alloy hull which provides unparalleled protection against mines and IEDs”. The Canadian government wants to buy 108 of the Close Combat Vehicles with an option to purchase up to 30 additional vehicles. BAE Systems has also submitted its bid for the contract. “Our offer is based upon the successful CV90, which provides class-leading crew survivability, mobility and firepower for the six current user nations around the world. In all six nations, the CV90 is in service alongside the Leopard 2 main battle tank and is currently on operations in Afghanistan with Denmark, Norway and Sweden,” a statement from BAE Systems said. The Close Combat Vehicle program, potentially worth $2 billion, was first announced in 2009 but has already fallen two years behind schedule.