BAE Systems announce strategic teaming agreements for TAPV

The Canadian Army's Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) programme, which will provide hundreds of next generation wheeled combat vehicles to Canadian Forces, is at the center of two teaming agreements recently entered into by BAE Systems.

Along with the leading edge RG35 Reconnaissance, Patrol and Utility solution-which was unveiled in early May-BAE Systems has leveraged its extensive automotive and defense-wide expertise to offer a comprehensive in-service support solution to provide optimal operational readiness and availability of the TAPV equipment. Through teaming with DEW Engineering and Thales Canada, Canadian-based industries will be at the heart of the delivery and in-service support of the BAE Systems' TAPV solution. This Team will not only produce a TAPV solution that will provide Canadian Forces with superior protection and mobility in theatre, but through its close partnerships, it will create and maintain long lasting, high quality jobs in Canada.

DEW Engineering will provide design services, add-on-armour and vehicle assembly as part of this agreement. In-service support to include vehicle repair, field service support, technical publications and material support is also part of the DEW Engineering share of work on TAPV.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to team with BAE Systems on the TAPV programme, and offer Canada a superior vehicle platform with tremendous growth potential, and an Industrial participation package that will provide long term benefits for Canadian Industry in all regions of the country", said Ian Marsh, President of DEW Engineering.

"By joining forces with DEW Engineering and Thales Canada, we're confident we have the best strategic partnerships in place to deliver on all aspects of the TAPV programme," said Alan Garwood, Group Business Development Director at BAE Systems. " It's a team dedicated to ensuring the soldier comes first, dedicated to producing and maintaining the safest and most reliable TAPV solution; and dedicated to continued investment in Canadian industry. The heart of the BAE Systems strategy is working in partnerships around the globe bringing jobs and technology to those markets", added Garwood.

As the Combat Systems Integrator, Thales Canada will provide the Vehicle Electronic Architecture (VEA) including the complete combat system suite, design, production material and systems support through the life of the programme.

"Thales Canada is known for its competitive systems solutions and integration skills, we look forward to providing a low-risk Canadian designed solution to BAE Systems and the Canadian Army that will meet and exceed the stated TAPV requirements," added Paul Kahn, President and CEO of Thales Canada.

With extensive experience in the tactical wheeled vehicle and protective systems market, BAE Systems is well positioned to meet the requirements of the Canadian Army. The company has a track record of producing more than 5,000 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles for the US Forces and over 3,500 RG series vehicles globally.

The Canadian Department of National Defense (DND) expects to award a contract to the final selected bidder by early 2012.

Source: BAE Systems

Follow Shephard News on Twitter