Backgrounder

Multi-Mission Effects Vehicle

BG–05.028 - September 22, 2005

The Canadian Forces are acquiring new, technologically advanced Multi-Mission Effects Vehicles (MMEV) that will combine anti-tank and air-defence capabilities on one platform. Firing with its non line-of-sight weapons system, the MMEV will be able to engage targets that are hidden behind surrounding landscape features such as hills and buildings.

The goal of the MMEV project is to significantly improve situational awareness by providing commanders with around-the-clock surveillance, and by sharing data and intelligence between vehicles and command posts. The MMEV will be required to engage ground targets such as armoured vehicles and bunkers, as well as aircraft, including helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. This combination of capabilities on one platform will provide the ground force commander with an unprecedented level of flexibility and effective battlefield situational control.

The Canadian Forces worked with Defence R&D Canada and Canadian Industry through the Technology Demonstration Program to develop world-class fire control systems and ergonomics that will feed directly into the development of the MMEV. Oerlikon Contraves Canada was selected for the MMEV project since it owns the intellectual property rights to the Air Defence Anti-Tank System (ADATS) technology, the cornerstone of the new MMEV system. There is no other missile system integrator in Canada, or abroad, with the requisite expertise.

The design for the new MMEVs will be developed based on ADATS technology, and integrated into a LAV III. Within the MMEV project, several varieties of command posts will be delivered: Troop, Battery and Airspace Coordination Centre. They will feature new battle management, command, control, communications, computers and information systems. The MMEVs will be capable of firing the ADATS missile as well as a long-range anti-armour missile and a non line-of-sight missile.

It is planned that the MMEV will be grouped in the Army’s newest tactical formation, the Direct Fire Unit, located in Edmonton, Alberta, along with the Mobile Gun System and the Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided under armour missile system.

The Government has announced its intent to undertake a project, potentially valued at up to $750 million, to design, develop, and deliver 33 MMEVs for the Army. The $100 million first phase of the MMEV project has received Government approval, and will include a prime contract with Oerlikon that will be awarded in the coming months. Smaller contracts and sub-contracts will be announced at a later date.

Following the successful completion of the first phase of the MMEV project –design and development– the Department of National Defence intends to proceed with subsequent development, testing and initial production phases. These follow-on phases will provide the Army with three prototypes and an initial fleet of six vehicles, including ammunition, communications and information management systems, and interim logistics support. The full production of the MMEV fleet is expected to begin in 2010.

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