Army Equipment Fielding Centre completes the mission before the mission

November 6, 2023 - Canadian Army

A squadron of 15 Leopard 2 battle tanks being deployed to Latvia is one of the Canadian Army (CA)’s most recent contributions to NATO deterrence measures in Europe.

Most of us probably don’t give much thought how heavy military equipment is prepared to cross an ocean.

That’s the job of the Army Equipment Fielding Centre (AEFC) in Montreal, where personnel say they’re proud to be part of what is soon to become Canada’s largest overseas mission since Afghanistan.

Their challenge began at the opposite end of the country in Edmonton, where the CA’s Leopard fleet is based.

“There was a lot of administration done to move the tanks because they're so heavy and every province has its own rules and regulations around weight,” explains Captain Hryhoriy Kit, AEFC Operations Officer. “So, bringing them to Montreal itself was, I would say, a mission.”

Once the move was complete, AEFC staff’s next task was to inspect and make repairs, as well as adding upgrades and armor.

“Armor was the main the priority,” says Capt Kit. “The second one was extra inspections and to repair everything that might have not been done in Edmonton or in other locations. These are very complex machines and have thousands of parts that could break even if you inspect them.”

“And the other biggest component was communications in the tanks,” he adds. “They are quite complex systems as well, so it was paramount for us to ensure that they were in serviceable condition.”

The Leopards were also fitted with updated remote weapons systems, which required extensive testing.

“Some of the Leopard variants haven't had them installed in a very long time. So, we had to verify to ensure that everything connects all the parts are there and it actually works,” says Capt Kit. “We do final verification to ensure that deployed forces don't have to deal with it.”

While there’s a lot of high technology involved, Matthew Guevremont, an AEFC Vehicle Technician, points out that the tanks will be preserved on the journey with some very simple materials.

“The duct tape and foil you see behind us, along with a lot of grease, is to protect the vehicle from weather and whatnot during transport, either the by truck or by boat,” he explains.

AEFC’s responsibilities don’t end once the tanks are ready for the field.

“There is a full-on plan for all the spare parts,” Capt Kit says. “This can break within six months; this can break within a year. And based on that the parts get packed in sea cans. It's an all-around support so the tanks can survive deployed .”

Mr. Guevremont, a retired soldier who now works at AEFC as a civilian, takes pride in the work of ensuring those on the ground in Latvia will have equipment they can count on.

“Everything's got to be 100 per cent, and that's the kind of challenge that I like; making sure that everything gets overseas ready to go.“

“I do like my job,” added Capt Kit. “I think the biggest satisfaction is that what we're doing right now matters a lot. I'm very proud of this unit.”