Posted by JD from Canada on May 10, 2021 at 21:20:26:
I agree with the respondents about selling off equipment that is for all intent & purpose, older than the troops who use them, however ! It's interesting to note that even the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive and Command (TACOM), has recently awarded United Defense's Ground Systems Division, a $20 million contract to produce 306 Standardized Integrated Command Post Systems (SICPS) kits. These kits will upgrade the old standby, M577A2, (the M113 CP varient built by FMC in 1962), to the M1068 standard in order to carry the Army Tactical Command & Control System. The contract also includes options for a further 112 units. Nice facelift for a 37 year old "Queen Mary", in the U.S. arsenal. Canada currently feilds approx. 1,500 M113 vehicles in various configurations, mostly as APC's. In it's recently released "Equipment Rationalization Plan", Canada is to field an inventory of ground AFV's that is largely based on wheeled types, Canada currently maintains about 890, wheeled vehicles of the "Piranha" family. Selling off approx. 700 of the M113's to make way for future orders of LAV3's is simply good business. Having said that however, one "Maverick" missile at either a 30+ year old M113 or a brand new LAV3, and the results are the same either way you slice it.
As for the M109's, artillery still holds a position of major importance in the world's armies, with self propulsion being the major trend. During the Gulf war, coalition forces noted a lack of punch and range in some of their artillery systems when compared to the Iraqi forces. This was the primary driving force behind the 203mm M110 system being the first deployed to the region. The M110 had already been earmarked for retirment from the U.S. inventory as well. In 1990 Iraq was one of the few remaining nations to employ systems larger than 155mm. If you recall it was our own Dr. Bull's Space Research Corp, that was developing a 210mm self propelled artillery system with Al Fao of Iraq. Other nations that are currently involved with new systems greater than 155mm artillery, are Spain, Russia, China, & Taiwan, as well as the potential for Singapore and South Africa. By now most of you are saying who cares !! Think about who Russia & China sell to and think about virtually every area of conflict where Canadian Forces are currently employed in the field and what, or who's type of equipment they are most likely to oppose?
Having said all that ! Can the Canadian Forces successfully defend themselves or go on a major offensive in a hostile environment? I believe that in a comparison of infantry / infantry the Canadian Forces soldier is second to none. I would be interested in hearing thoughts on how well an infantry company would stand up to a Mechanized enemy, given the current weapons at our disposal, for Anti Armour defence?