Soldiers to get new weapons

Photo: Contributed

Local Regiment Gearing Up For New Vehicles

The Canadian Armed Forces in the Okanagan are eagerly anticipating the arrival of some new equipment in 2018.

For many years the main vehicle for the local regiment has been the reliable and nimble G Wagon from Mercedes. 

A column of G Wagons heading off to exercise has been a common sight in Kelowna and Vernon areas and even further afield.

The Achilles heel of the G Wagon was, however, exposed in the recent Afghan conflict where IEDs could seriously damage, disable or even destroy the vehicle. As is typical with defence contracts, the replacement that would allow safer use in similar combat zones was created.

Committee meetings, procurement processes, redesigns and testing have led to a vehicle that is now being distributed to the regular force elements in Canada and next year will find its way in to the armouries in Kelowna and Vernon.

You will notice the vehicle is much larger, has better protection for occupants and is vastly more technological than its reserve force predecessor, the G Wagon.

Perhaps you will get an up close and personal look at the TAPV in the Canada Day parades next year.

Here is a link to the announcement from the Canadian Armed Forces.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.