CASR

———
A Modest
Proposal
———

Economic Stimulation  –  Armoured Vehicles  –  Modest Proposal  –  Dec 2008 LAVs – Domestic Defence Production as Economic Stimulation A Modest Proposal  by  Steve Daly, CD Ed:  Steve Daly  explores one  possible avenue for DND/CF capital expenditures to be used as an economic stimulus  in the current  downturn in the Canadian economy.  Since this recession has affected  the manufacturing sector directly, it makes sense to choose an example which will involve a chain of domestic parts suppliers and machine shops, etc.  Steve Daly's example does just that. At the assembly end, a LAV III 'reset' would almost certainly involve GDLS-C Alberta facility while hard-hit southern Ontario industry could benefit from LAV-H production. Armour for the Economy  –  Stimulation and Job Creation while Building Up the CF In times of economic uncertainty such as these,  Defence Budgets are often viewed as an easy target  for belt-tightening measures. Certainly capital acquisitions – especially those not yet underway – are viewed with a certain distaste. This need not be true.  In select cases, where military needs can be met from a domestic supplier, defence capital acquisitions can serve as an effective,  much-needed,  economic stimulus. As with any other stimulus package, the creation of a structural deficit is to be avoided. One example which comes easily to mind  is  General Dynamic Land Systems - Canada. GDLS-C manufactures Canada's wheeled LAV III (Light Armoured Vehicle) just as this London, Ontario-based  plant had built the earlier family of  Canadian LAVs  – AVGPs, Bison, and Coyotes. Located in southern Ontario, which has borne the brunt of recent job losses, GDLS-C is well positioned to stimulate the economy through fuller employ- ment. But what of  that other leg of economic stimulation – satisfying a pressing need? There is a pre-existing shortage of Canadian Forces LAVs. Combat losses in Kandahar combined with the relentless wear-and-tear inherent in operating in the Afghan terrain, has placed great stress on the CF's LAV family. The recent announcement by GDLS-C of a new LAV-H variant (with improved crew protection) creates a unique opportunity. The CF LAV fleet could  be replaced, 'reset', and upgraded while, at the same time, this Government  purchase provides direct stimulus to Canada's manufacturing heartland. With  its heavier armour, LAV-H is ideally suited to replace many existing LAV variants. LAV-H is mechanically  similar  to  serving LAV IIIs. These current vehicles are relatively new, but Kandahar conditions  dictate an  extensive refurbishing (dubbed a 'reset' in the  modern   military  parlance ). An opportunity exists, both for improved CF capabilities and for economic stimulation, in that 'reset' program. The better condition LAV IIIs that are to be retained / 'reset' can be upgraded with the beefier suspension, drivetrain, and superior armour protection of the LAV-H. Older, 'second generation'  LAV variants – the Bison ISC (Infantry Section Carrier) and CP (Command Post), and the Coyote reconnaissance and DFSV (direct-fire support vehicle) – could be replaced with a combination of  LAV-H and reset LAV IIIs. Beyond the much-needed economic stimulation and job-creation, the objective of  this combined reset/new-build program will be the creation of  two, closely-related  families of  LAVs. For industry, there would be lasting benefits in supporting 'made-in-Canada' LAVs throughout their lifespan. For the CF, there are obvious advantages of simplified training, maintenance, and logistics. Visually, two CF wheeled LAV family variants will be in service – LAV-Hs and reset LAV IIIs. Mechanically, only the LAV-H would exist. Replenishing and  Diversifying  the CF's LAV  Fleet  while Stimulating the Economy The specific details involved for reset LAV III upgrades or the new-production LAV-H are not at issue here. Suffice it to say that  this will  be the opportune moment to install standardized equipment, more powerful weapons systems (if  desirable), etc.  There are also a host of possible role conversions for rebuilt LAV IIIs and new roles for LAV-Hs. Expanded  LAV III conversions or LAV-H purchases could  include currently unfielded variants. DND has already considered self-propelled artillery  (using the M777 155mm howitzer ), for example.  So, in this case, an anticipated  procurement  project would merely be accelerated. Another  possible self-propelled artillery might be a  turreted mortar variant.  A turreted mortar LAV could  fill  two mission slots. As a conventional high-angle mortar carrier, this 'LAV-M' would replace the 81mm 'Wolf ' mount Bison mortar carrier. Turreted mortars also have a direct-fire capability making them naturals for fire support in the urban environment.[1] Of course, the core of any LAV III reset/LAV-H new- build program would be replacing those earlier model second-generation LAVs with  LAV III reset/LAV-H- based 'LAV-Recce'/DFSV and  'Bison 2'  ISC and  CP. [Ed: DND is also considering a new, tracked Close Combat Vehicle. It would be logical to chose a CCV type before any LAV III reset or  LAV-H purchase in order to maximize potential commonality.  Cross-type commonality would  further  simplify  maintenance, parts supply, and training.  The role assignment  for  LAV III resets and  LAV-H would be partly dictated by required interior space and whether manned turrets were needed.] Balancing the Scales – Time for  Export  Development  Canada  to  Kick  into Action? While the economic stimulation of  building new LAV-Hs and  refurbishing LAV IIIs is obvious, there are also economies of scale. The benefits of  this LAV-H  program need not be limited to Canada or the Canadian Forces.  Our Australian allies in Afghanistan, for example, operate Canadian-made wheeled LAVs.  Their ASLAV family is equivalent to our second-generation Bison (ASLAV-PC) and Coyotes (ASLAV-25).  Fifteen years of hard use may mean that Australia is ready to replace their ASLAVs with the LAV-H. Taking these second-generation LAVs out of  service also represents  an opportunity. Both Canada and Australia have begun to emphasize training and mentoring the ANA (Afghan National Army). Bison, Coyotes, and ASLAVs already  in Afghanistan could be donated to the ANA. Other second-generation LAVs could follow as military aid.[2] From an ANA viewpoint, accommodating these 'new' vehicles could hardly be easier – the experts in LAV training, maintenance, operation, and tactics are already in-country. Detractors to this LAV III reset/LAV-H proposal will point out that the DND/CF capital budget doesn't include most of what is being suggested. This begs the question: Why should it ?  For decades the DND capital acquisition budgets have been subject to the needs of Industry Canada and Regional Economic Development. Money is to be spent on economic stimulus and jobs creation.  Why should  the CF not  be the beneficiary ? [1] For a discussion of  the advantages of  direct-fire, turret-mounted 120mm mortars in urban warfare, see:  Matt Fisher's  Leopard Tank ... More Than One Life for This CAT? [2] This would go some way to fulfilling  Canada's top priority for Afghanistan  which, in the words of  the June 2008 Report to Parliament (Canada's Engagement in Afghan- istan - Setting a course to 2011) is for the ANA "to conduct operations and sustain a more secure environment in key districts of  Kandahar, with support  from ISAF allies".