Canada's dilemma with Leopard 2 tank fleet

Canada has deployed Leopard 2s on their first overseas mission in more than a decade, but the future of the country's tank fleet remains uncertain.

Canada deployed 15 Leopard 2 tanks to Latvia in mid-November in late 2023 as part of a NATO effort to bolster the Eastern European country. Meanwhile, the Canadian military is looking at how best to maintain and support its aging tank fleet before deciding whether to replace it.

Canadian Defense Department spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande estimated the country would spend about $1.1 billion on a new long-term support contract for Leopard 2 tanks. The contract covers maintenance and support for Leopard 2s until their end of life, which is expected in 2035.

The Canadian Army has 82 Leopard 2 main battle tanks and has transferred eight to Ukraine before sending 15 vehicles to Latvia.

Canadian Leopard 2A4 tanks exercise in Wainwright, Alberta in May 2017. Photo: Reuters

The Canadian Army informed defense industry representatives in April 2023 about its plans to modernize its Leopard 2 tank fleet. Lieutenant Colonel Chloeann Summerfield estimated that Canada would have to spend about $620 million to extend the life and improve the technology of the Leopard 2 in service.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Summerfield, Canada will prioritize improving the Leopard 2's protection, surveillance, target detection, firepower and mobility. However, the officer warned that one of the considerations for the project is the limited budget.

Canadian military experts say financial constraints will affect whether the country decides to buy new tanks to replace the Leopard 2. The Canadian Army announced in October 2003 that it would retire the Leopard 2 and buy American Stryker armored vehicles to replace them.

The then Canadian Army Commander, Lieutenant General Rick Hillier, explained that the force only used Leopard 2 tanks sparingly in combat, because the opponent was not Russia but extremist groups in harsh environments like Afghanistan.

However, the Canadian Army reversed its decision a few years later and deployed Leopard 2 tanks to Afghanistan in 2006. Canadian commanders in Afghanistan requested the tanks be sent there because their armour was better able to withstand improvised explosive devices. After the end of the Afghan operation, Canadian Leopard 2 tanks were mainly used for training in the country.

Canadian Leopard 2A4 tanks exercise in Wainwright, Alberta in April 2021. Photo: Reuters

The Canadian government announced that it would buy several new tanks to replace the eight that were delivered to Ukraine. The deal was announced by then-Defense Minister Anita Anand in February 2023, but the plan has yet to be implemented.

Martin Shadwick, a professor of defence policy and the Canadian military at York University, said he does not expect the government to buy new tanks in the near future. "The Canadian Armed Forces are short on weapons procurement and new tanks are a low priority," Shadwick said.

Alan Williams, Canada’s former defense procurement official, said big-ticket purchases like the F-35 fighter jet and new warships will leave Ottawa with little money to buy tanks. Canada spends $3.65 billion a year on new military equipment, but nearly all of it goes to its surface fleet. It is estimated that Canada will spend nearly $73 billion on surface warships over the next 20 years.

Canada also pledged $29 billion to modernize the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), including purchasing F-35 fighters, as well as spending nearly $4.4 billion on new P-8 reconnaissance aircraft.

“I don’t understand how the Canadian Army can even consider buying new tanks,” Williams said. “A lot of potential equipment projects will be severely impacted by programs that the government has already committed to.”

Nguyen Tien (According to Defense News, CTV News )

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