Posted by JD from Canada on May 07, 2021 at 22:25:28:
Canada's cash strapped military is trying to sell of some of it's equipment to NATO allies. The miliatry will sell off 700 of its M113's, 11 M109 self propelled guns, 95 Cougars, and 30 Grizzlies. As well as these, the gov't is looking at selling off an undisclosed number of CF-18 fighters, and 12 of its ADATS (AntiDefence Anti-Tank) systems and 200 of its missiles to Greece, in order to meet serious short falls in budget forecasts in the Land Forces Budget. Apparently the Forces' future equipment needs exceed their budget by $4.5 billion. The Forces have also had to delay purchasing a new unmanned surveillance drone for the year 2003, until the year 2008. The selling off of the M113's will reduce operating costs in maintaining tracked vehicles versus wheeled vehicles like the LAV-3 (Gen3), or the Coyote. The new Gen3 LAV-3 however is delayed in making it to the Forces, due to Engineering retrofits and upgrades at the GM plant in London Ontario. The new LAV-3 will not be available for overseas operations until at least 2001. It is hoped that enough vehicles will be available to start training troops on in the late Fall of this year. Just incase you hadn't heard yet !