The Bison was originally manufactured by General Motors Diesel Division in London, Ontario (now General Dynamics) and is an eight-wheel drive light armoured vehicle. They've seen service in Somalia, the former Yugoslavia, Kosovo, Haiti, Eritrea, and Afghanistan.
The Canadian Forces decided to "re-role" and upgrade the Bison. The ambulance variant appeared in 2004 and the C3I version was showcased and covered here in February, 2008. Work is being performed at DEW Engineering's facility in Miramichi, NB.
It appears that the repair (MRT) and recovery variants (MRV) are also to receive additional protection. Their duties can certainly leave them exposed as they attempt repairs or towing. A Notice of Proposed Procurement has gone out for ballistic curtains.
It is unclear, however, if these are to be deployed inside the vehicles or as additional protection when, for example, the rear ramp is open.
Sources: Merx
Photo: DND
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