Canada's military has received the first of 66 Light Armored Vehicles with reconnaissance and surveillance upgrades by General Dynamic Land Systems-Canada.

The contract for modernization of the 66 LAV IIIs for reconnaissance and surveillance was issued last year and is worth about $150 million. A contract for the implementation phase of the Light Armored Vehicle III Upgrade Project, involving 550 infantry transport vehicles was given the company in 2011. That award was worth about $1 billion.

"Our government's investments in renewing and modernizing the Canadian armed forces' capabilities on land, sea and air are creating thousands of high-quality, skilled jobs all across the country" said Associate Minister of National Defense Bernard Valcourt.

"At the same time, we are delivering on our promise to build a first-class, modern military that is ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century."

"The on-schedule delivery of the first upgraded LAV III is an important event for our company," said Danny Deep, vice president of General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada. "The upgrades we have incorporated on the LAV III will significantly enhance the vehicle's survivability, operational capability and long-term performance.

"With our Canadian design, manufacturing and supplier base, we are proud to say that the best armored vehicles in the world are made in Canada."