BAE Systems Hägglunds and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS)-Canada have teamed up to compete in Ottawa’s Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project.
The partnership combines BAE’s expertise in all-terrain vehicle designs with GDLS’ long-term in-service support capabilities across Canada, and it is offering the BvS10 Beowulf all-terrain platform in a bid to replace the Canadian army’s current BV206 fleet.
Beowulf comes with a “hot production line and a unified supply chain” that ensures long-term availability of spare parts and support, as well as interoperability with military units, according to Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds.
“Arctic capability is critical for Canada, and the Beowulf will drive both current and future strategic objectives due to its ability to operate in extreme temperatures and unforgiving landscapes,” he said.
The Beowulf
Part of the BvS10 vehicle series, the Beowulf can carry up to 14 personnel or approximately 8,000 kilograms (17,637 pounds) of payload, traveling at speeds of 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour.
The dual-body platform is designed to withstand a range of conditions, including the extreme Arctic climate, as well as muddy, sandy, snowy, icy, and muskeg environments.
It can also maneuver in deep water due to its amphibious capabilities.
GDLS-Canada Vice President and General Manager Dave Haggerty said that the Beowulf will be delivered with “made-in-Canada features tailored to national requirements.”
“Beowulf and this partnership will provide Canada assurance of DAME’s success,” he added.
Boosting Arctic Defense
With a funding range of 250 to 499 million Canadian dollars ($178 to $355 million), the DAME program supports Ottawa’s broader policy focus on strengthening its presence in the Arctic and northern region.
It intends to procure a fleet of medium-sized, amphibious, high-mobility carriers made for year-round operations and extreme conditions, in addition to support trailers.
The fleet comprises a common vehicle with four variants: command post, troop carrying, cargo and equipment carrying, and ambulance.
Initial deliveries are anticipated by 2029 to 2030, with the final deliveries expected by 2031 to 2032.
Apart from BAE Systems Hägglunds and GDLS-Canada, Canadian defense manufacturer Roshel has partnered with Singapore’s ST Engineering to offer the ExtremV platform for the DAME project.
