Thales to supply upgraded LAV III vehicle optronics

Thales Canada will supply uncooled optronics technology for the LAV III combat vehicles being modernised for the Canadian Army under a new sub-contract announced on 11 February. The company will deliver optronics for 409 vehicles as part of a comprehensive upgrade being carried out by prime contractor General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada.

According to the company, the equipment to be delivered will enhance the LAV III fleet’s survivability, operational capability and long-term performance.

Thales Canada has been supplying thermal imaging and vision enhancement solutions - designed to improve operational capabilities at night or in adverse weather and obscured battlefield conditions - to the Canadian Army since the mid 1990s.

The LAV III Upgrade project being carried out by General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada will improve the protection, mobility and lethality of the Canadian LAV III fleet. The project will modernise a portion of the existing LAV III fleet to ensure it remains a highly protected, operationally mobile and tactically agile combat vehicle that will remain the backbone of domestic and expeditionary task forces, extending the life span of the LAV III to 2035.