Military History | How To Make War | Wars Around the World Rules of Use How to Behave on an Internet Forum
Canada Discussion Board
   Return to Topic Page
Subject: New Leo's for the Army
Griffin    4/7/2007 12:27:39 AM
This past week rumours have abounded about the CF getting some new Leopard IIA6M Main Battle Tanks. The number I've seen quoted most often is 20. What surprised me was the 'lease' element to the reported deal, if the Prime Minister signs off. Is this the way the CDS is using to get the door back open to buying new Leopards by 'leasing' some and proving their worth? It would appear so, and possibly avoiding the accounting that would register a lease differently than a purchase of capital equipment. Whatever the reason, I'm sure Germany would be happy with the 'lease' and potential purchases if all goes well, and I'm even more certain our troopers would love to have an air conditioned tank that has more armour protection, a 120mm main gun and other enhancements to our older Leo's.
 
Quote    Reply

Show Only Poster Name and Title     Newest to Oldest
BFD15       4/7/2007 10:04:58 AM
  It is my understanding the CF want these tanks sent directly to A-stan. Due to some legal issues regarding the German constitution and selling military goods to a war zone, they are useing a legal loophole to get the tanks to the troops as quickly as possible.  The other point is, back in the late 70's when Canada first purchased the Leo 1s the first batch was on a lease as well, so there is past practice.  The other issue as I understand it , The tank being leased is the most advanced model the Leopard 2A6M. The German's themselves only have between 40 and 80 of this model themselves.  This is a chance for them to see their best tank in action.  I would imagine the 20 leased will not be returned,this will turn out to be a lease to own.  This is apparently just the start.  The rest of the order is suppose to be for 60-80 Leopard 2A4 or 5s that will be upgraded to the 6 model on Canada's dime.  Still all in all this is great  to see the rebirth of the Canadian Armoured Corps, brought back from the brink of extinction .
 
Quote    Reply

Griffin       4/8/2007 12:46:43 AM

  It is my understanding the CF want these tanks sent directly to A-stan. Due to some legal issues regarding the German constitution and selling military goods to a war zone, they are useing a legal loophole to get the tanks to the troops as quickly as possible.  The other point is, back in the late 70's when Canada first purchased the Leo 1s the first batch was on a lease as well, so there is past practice.  The other issue as I understand it , The tank being leased is the most advanced model the Leopard 2A6M. The German's themselves only have between 40 and 80 of this model themselves.  This is a chance for them to see their best tank in action.  I would imagine the 20 leased will not be returned,this will turn out to be a lease to own.  This is apparently just the start.  The rest of the order is suppose to be for 60-80 Leopard 2A4 or 5s that will be upgraded to the 6 model on Canada's dime.  Still all in all this is great  to see the rebirth of the Canadian Armoured Corps, brought back from the brink of extinction .


It is indeed a great turnaround from what the Liberals did to the military.  I can't help though be dismayed that this would only keep the LdSH on par with a single US Tank Bn., when one deducts some tanks for training, replacements, etc. and no doubt some of these 'tanks' will be of the recovery vehicle and bridge laying variants.  I just wished that the government would really pony up the money so the RCD could be reverted back to its tank role, so we could have 2 regiments that could share the workload in the tank role, and also not burn out our equipment from overuse with limited numbers of tanks.  One retired Col. I know indicated that the LAVIII are now getting such heavy usuage, and for good reason in Afganistan that the projected original lifespan of 20-years is now be considered by some to now be in the 3-5 year range due to the lack of sufficient numbers of these vehicles, hence the early burnout estimate.  The Ex-Col. has also pointed out, as others have that the past 2-budgets while being an improvement are still inadequate to take care of the wear and tear and replacement of these vehicles and other equipment, as we continue to engage in combat overseas, and try to rebuild the CF, when sufficient rebuilding $$$$ are not there. 
I also wished that the government got serious combat personnel carriers that were better armoured, armed, and tracks to support our infantry properly.  The German Puma immediately comes to mind.  The LAVIII is a good vehicle for what it was originally intended for, but it has been used in roles well beyond what the people in Ottawa had originally anticipated, especially in outright frontline combat roles in Afghanistan.
 

 
 
Quote    Reply



 Latest
 News
 
 Most
 Read
 
 Most
 Commented
 Hot
 Topics