Stag Special

Canadian Army’s Leopard 2 main battle tanks began moving by semi-trailer flatbed June 28 from Garrison Edmonton to Montreal.

Members of the public may notice these Canadian Army (CA) vehicles on major Canadian highways, including Hwy 1 through Manitoba.

These activities are in direct support of Op REASSURANCE and the recent announcement by Defence Minister Anita Anand regarding the squadron’s deployment to Latvia.

In addition to the CA tank squadron of 15 Leopard 2 tanks and supporting equipment, soldiers from Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) from Garrison Edmonton will facilitate the squadron’s integration into the Canada-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group based in Camp Adazi, Latvia, significantly boosting the Battle Group’s military capabilities.

Prior to transportation, soldiers spent hours cleaning the tanks of dirt and debris. They need to be clean of dirt prior to transportation by ship across the Atlantic Ocean. Flying tanks of this size is too expensive.

The full arrival in Latvia of the tanks, initial personnel, and all supporting equipment is expected later this fall.

“Canada’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, and our commitment to the NATO Alliance is ironclad. Canada’s additional military aid to Ukraine will help the Armed Forces of Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion,” said Anand.

“In addition, the deployment of a Canadian Army Tank Squadron to Latvia demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to Latvia’s security, and the collective defence of NATO. As a founding member of NATO, Canada will continue to step up with concrete contributions to protect our Allies.”

QUICK FACTS

• As part of the CA Tank Squadron, in addition to the 15 Leopard 2 tanks, more than 35 vehicles will be deployed to Latvia including two Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARV), and a variety of maintenance, fuel, supply, and transport vehicles will provide direct support to the Tank Squadron. Leopard 2-specific tools and test equipment will also be deployed to ensure that a robust maintenance capability is established in Latvia for the fleet.
• At full strength, approximately 130 personnel will be deployed as part of the CA Tank Squadron. This will include approximately 120 personnel to operate the squadron and an additional 10 personnel will be added to the existing sustainment and maintenance structure in Task Force Latvia. The full complement of approximately 130 personnel should be in place by spring 2024.
• Since the beginning of 2022, Canada has committed more than $8-billion in aid to Ukraine, including more than $1.5-billion in military assistance. This includes 288 AIM-7 missiles, 10,000 rounds of 105mm artillery ammunition, eight Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and one armoured recovery vehicle, a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) with associated munitions, 39 armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more. Canada will join the Leopard 2 Maintenance and Service Centre in Poland and will contribute to multinational efforts to train pilots, and maintain and support Ukraine’s F16s, leveraging Canadian expertise in these areas.

The 15 Leopard 2 tanks leaving Garrison Edmonton for Latvia were inspected and cleaned thoroughly before driving on to special transport trucks, which will drive across Canada for Montreal. Then will be placed on sea transport for the move across the Atlantic Ocean. If you happen to be on the TransCanada Highway, and see a small convoy of transports with tanks, they are from Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) based out of Alberta’s Garrison Edmonton. Photos Capt Ryan Bartlette/1CMBG PAO