Textron Inks Another Armored Vehicle Deal

PARIS — Despite a tightening defense budget, the Canadian government has decided to move forward with one segment of its ground combat vehicle modernization program, purchasing 500 armored personnel carriers from Textron in a $700 million (CAD) deal that will fulfill the requirement for the country’s Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program. The contract also includes a five-year, $100 million support contract, as well as an option to buy 100 more vehicles. The contract has a total value of $1.25 billion, according to the Canadian government.

Hope Rises for Panhard-Renault Merger

Talks for Renault Trucks Defense (RTD) to acquire Panhard are at an advanced stage, offering the prospect of a long-awaited consolidation in the French armored vehicle sector, the chief executives of the two companies said.

Will Foreign Markets Provide the Boost?

Gen. Ray Odierno, the u.s. Army chief of staff, is fond of reminding colleagues, audiences — and perhaps most importantly, the media — that the Asia-Pacific region is home to seven of the world’s 10 largest land armies, which makes his service a critical component of any strategic “pivot” to the region.
The leaders of those seven armies no doubt are paying close attention as Defense Secretary Leon Panetta jetted around the region earlier this month in a series of meetings with his counterparts to discuss regional security.