On Wednesday, 12 November 2025, Sweden’s BAE Systems Hägglunds (part of the UK-based BAE Systems) and the U.S. company General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) announced the signing of a cooperation agreement under which the unarmored Beowulf arctic all-terrain vehicles will be offered for the Canadian Army’s Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) program.
Photo: BAE Systems
This cooperation agreement combines BAE Systems Hägglunds’ in-depth expertise in all-terrain vehicle design with General Dynamics Land Systems’ extensive in-country sustainment and support capabilities across Canada – specifically through its local subsidiary, GDLS-Canada.
“Arctic capability is critical for Canada, and the Beowulf will drive both current and future strategic objectives due to its ability to operate in extreme temperatures and unforgiving landscapes,” said Tommy-Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “With a hot production line and a unified supply chain, the platform ensures long-term availability of spare parts and support for the Canadian Armed Forces, while offering seamless interoperability with military units across North America.”
Beowulf, derived from the armored BvS10 all-terrain vehicles (ordered by Austria, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine; and offered in Italy), is an unarmored, highly versatile, articulated tracked vehicle designed to transport cargo and personnel in either of its two compartments. Its modular construction allows it to be configured for a wide range of missions, including logistics support, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue operations, and more (Deliveries of BAE Systems BvS10 all-terrain vehicles to Sweden, Germany, and the UK).
Beowulf was developed by BAE Systems Hägglunds based on extensive experience gained in northern Sweden under Arctic conditions. The platform incorporates several key components from U.S. suppliers, including the engine, transmission, and hydraulic system. The prototype was unveiled at the DSEI 2015 defense and security exhibition in London. Under the CATV (Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle) program, the U.S. Army is procuring up to 273 Beowulf vehicles.
“GDLS is proud to bring BAE Systems Hägglunds Beowulf to Canada to satisfy requirements for the DAME project,” said Dave Haggerty, vice president and general manager of GDLS-Canada. “With nearly 50 years of working closely with the Canadian Armed Forces in complex project delivery and in-service support we will ensure that the platform remains supported and relevant wherever it is stationed. Our diverse military expertise and familiarity with customer needs will deliver made-in-Canada features tailored to national requirements. Beowulf and this partnership will provide Canada assurance of DAME’s success.”
Thanks to the cooperation between GDLS and BAE Systems Hägglunds, Beowulf will provide a modern, combat-proven platform that will enable Canada to maintain a sustained presence in the Arctic and respond to emerging threats in coordination with allies and partners.
Under the DAME program, Canada plans to replace the remaining 14 Bandvagn 206 (BV206) all-terrain carriers, out of the original 78 introduced between 1983 and 1985. Up to 170 next-generation vehicles are to be procured, with Beowulf competing against Singapore’s Bronco 3 offered by ST Engineering. The program’s budget is estimated at CAD 100–250 million (PLN 260–650 million).
The new vehicles will come in four variants: command vehicle, infantry carrier, cargo and equipment carrier, and medical support vehicle. Each will have a crew of two soldiers and the ability to transport up to ten additional personnel in its two cabins, with a range of up to 300 km and 72 hours of operational self-sufficiency.
General Dynamics Land Systems is proud to partner with @BAESystemsInc to offer the BvS10 Beowulf platform for the Canadian Army's Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project.
Safeguarding the Arctic is a key strategic priority for Canada. In service with NATO allies and… pic.twitter.com/ObAffqLy2L
— General Dynamics Land Systems (@GD_LandSystems) November 17, 2025
