New logistics trucks being delivered to CAF

(Above) On Sept. 21, Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan came to Petawawa to announce the purchase of new Standard Military Pattern trucks being delivered to the Canadian Armed Forces over the next two years. Celebrating the $834-million purchase of more than 1,500 trucks, 300 trailers and 150 armoured protection systems are, from left, Project Manager Colonel François Lavoie, Mack Defense President and CEO David Hartzell, Minister Sajjan, Chief of Staff Army Strategy Brigadier-General Stephen Kelsey and 4th Canadian Division Support Base (4 CDSB) Petawawa Technical Services Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Heebner. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)
Defence Minister Hajit S. Sajjan speaks to the assembled troops about the $834-million project on Sept. 21. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

A new fleet of Standard Military Pattern trucks is being delivered to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), with more than 500 remaining in Petawawa.

As part of Canada’s defence policy Strong, Secure and Engaged, the CAF will be receiving more than 1,500 trucks, 300 trailers and 150 armored protection systems over the next two years. They will allow soldiers to move critical equipment, personnel, and supplies wherever they are needed. These trucks are built to also serve as a mobile medical and dental clinic in the field and to assist in disaster relief nationally or abroad.

Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan announced the delivery on Sept. 21.

“Even though it’s called a Standard Military Pattern truck, I think we can say that these are not really standard trucks anymore,” said Minister Sajjan.

Garrison Petawawa is one of the first in the region to receive these vehicles and they are part of the broader medium support vehicle system. They will keep over 500 of the trucks and more than 100 of the trailers at the Garrison.

“One of the more impressive capabilities inherent in this fleet is the enhanced protection capability it will provide to our soldiers,” said 4th Canadian Division Support Base (4 CDSB) Petawawa Technical Services Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Heebner. “The MSVS SMP (Medium Support Vehicle System Standard Military Pattern) trucks provide the most extensive ballistic and blast protection that the Canadian Forces has ever had on a logistic vehicle, providing essential safety to our Canadian Forces personnel.”

Notably, the $834-million project remains on budget.

“These benefit not only the members of our Canadian Forces but they benefit all Canadians,” said Minister Sajjan. “As part of Canada’s Industrial and Technical Benefits Policy, for every dollar, we spent on the project, one dollar was invested in our economy.”

On Sept. 21, Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan came to Petawawa to announce the purchase of new Standard Military Pattern trucks being delivered to the Canadian Armed Forces over the next two years. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

Mack Defense was a key partner in delivering these vehicles. “We are very proud to have been awarded the contract for the medium support vehicle for Canada,” said Mack Defense President and CEO David Hartzell, adding the project has helped create and sustain 500 new jobs.

The new fleet will replace the decades-old trucks currently being used by military members. With their increased reliability, mobility and protection, they will enable the CAF members to deliver their mission.

“They will be invaluable in missions both big and small,” said Minster Sajjan.

The trucks have a 9,600 kg total load capacity. They measure 10.1 m in length, 2.6 m in width and have a height of 3.5 m. They can reach the top speed of 108 km/h.