Navistar Defense LLC [NAV] and TATRA, a.s. yesterday said they will team for the upcoming Canadian Department of National Defence Standard Military Pattern (SMP) vehicle program.
As part of the Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) program, SMP will replace Canada’s Medium Logistics truck fleet.
“We are excited to team with Tatra for the upcoming SMP vehicle program and believe that Tatra’s innovative vehicle designs and unique tactical chassis technology provide the team with a great advantage,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “Combining our military vehicle expertise, the Navistar-Tatra team brings to the table the know- how and the flexibility to provide Canada with great tactical vehicle technology and support solutions.”
Ronald Adams, Tatra’s CEO and chairman of its board of directors, said: “We are truly energized by how well Tatra and Navistar have come together as a team over these last several months. As our cooperation has deepened with each passing day, and as we have built our first trucks together, we have come to realize how very powerful this team will be in the tactical vehicle arena. Our combined technology, engineering, manufacturing, and support capabilities present a compelling value proposition for our customers.”
The Navistar-Tatra team also plans to utilize Navistar’s global parts and support network for vehicle support. The team is also focused on creating local sustainment of its vehicles and will meet all requirements under Canada’s Industrial and Regional Benefits policy.
Navistar will serve as the prime contractor for the SMP program. The company is currently providing Military Commercial off the Shelf (MilCOTS) vehicles to the Canadian DND as part of the MSVS program. The company’s Canadian dealerships provide service support for these vehicles.