Rheinmetall has achieved a significant milestone by securing contracts valued at 374 million Canadian dollars (approximately $265.9 million) to supply Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC) vehicles to the Canadian Army. This contract entails the provision of 85 Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicle (RMMV) HX 8×8 tactical military trucks, along with 24 armored cabs, necessary ancillary equipment, logistics support, and in-service assistance for military operations. The procurement process for these items is set to unfold over five years, as confirmed by the Canadian Department of National Defence.
The deployment of the ERC fleet is poised to enhance support capabilities for vehicles that require towing and repair in both combat zones and during various multinational missions in the future. Additionally, these vehicles will be utilized for training purposes in conjunction with field operations.
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science & Industry, emphasized the significance of this announcement, stating, “Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to provide Canadian Armed Forces members with state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive in-service support they need, while ensuring long-term economic benefits for Canadians.” He also noted that the government’s intention is to not only bolster national defense capabilities but also to promote Canadian innovation within the defense sector, create high-value employment opportunities, and contribute to overall economic growth across the country.
This integration of ERC is a crucial element of the Canadian government’s 2017 defense strategy aimed at enhancing support for Canadian Armed Forces members, both domestically and internationally. The acquisition of the heavy logistics vehicle was initiated in 2019, with five suppliers being qualified in 2022. Following a finalization of bids in April, Quebec-based Rheinmetall Canada Inc. was selected as the partnering supplier for this initiative.
Pietro Mazzei, CEO and President of Rheinmetall Canada, expressed confidence in the HX truck’s capabilities, stating it “is an extraordinary system which will meet Canada’s needs for decades to come.” He further highlighted that Canada is now part of an elite group of nations operating the HX recovery platform, benefiting from the operational knowledge accumulated by other countries utilizing this system.
In a related remark, RMMV CEO Michael Wittlinger welcomed the Canadian Armed Forces as the latest addition to the HX user group, stating, “With the heavy recovery vehicle, the HX fleet is now prominently represented on the North American continent for the first time.” Wittlinger noted that the mission-proven vehicle family is increasingly serving as the backbone of logistics forces for NATO and allied nations.
The RMMV HX 8×8 vehicle itself boasts impressive specifications, measures 10 meters (approximately 34 feet) in length, and has a payload capacity of up to 17,000 kilograms (37,400 pounds). Its performance is powered by a robust 440-horsepower MAN Euro 4 diesel engine, complemented by a 400-liter fuel capacity and a ZF 12-forward automated manual transmission, allowing it to reach speeds of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and cover a range of 800 kilometers (497 miles).
