First and foremost, what CAF unit would be the first deployed to combat in Asia?
Certainly, the Special Service Force out of Petawawa was the go to unit. 1 CMBG in Edmonton was closer, certainly, however, the SSF was designed for exactly that type of situation.
The SSF comprised of the Airborne Regiment, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, 2 HQ&SIGS, 2 MP Platoon, 2 Service Battalion, 2 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, at least one battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, and the Royal Canadian Dragoons. 427 Squadron offered the tactical helicopter support.
Many of the supporting units also had an airborne capability.
The tanks, and SPGs would have followed on, most likely from 1 CMBG in Edmonton, or units flown in from 4 CMBG Europe.
So let us commence with some new Canadian vehicles.
LOG:
Iltis command vehicle.
By 1991 the Iltis had long replaced the M38 series in the 1/4 tonne vehicle role.
HLVW
Although entering service in 1990, the HLVW quickly became the backbone of the CAF logistics fleet.
INF:
Other then changing out some small arms, most of the units would remain the same. The only addition I would like to see is that of the Canadian Airborne Regiment. Also replacing Vandoos with RCR if you go with the SSF as the lead unit.
The smalls arms loadouts would be the C7 rifle, C9 LMG, and C6 GPMG. The C8 for pathfinders would be good too.
SUP:
The ADATS would no longer be a prototype
The Bison Mortar carrier would have entered service around this time to supplement the M113 mortar carriers.
Essentially, just the USMC mortar carrier.
Tank:
The Leo C1 would continue to be the mainstay of the Canadian armour force. However, according to Janes Tanks and Artillery 1988-89 Canada made a request for proposal for 250-300 new MBTs with the most likely candidate being the Leo 2A4, or the M1A1 Abrams. This could give the Eugen team a new direction to go on, if they so choose.
There was also the possibility of a Leopard C2 upgrade during this time period as Janes was also mentioning some of the kit that could be updated. I will post the scans at a later date.
Rec:
The Coyote as a LAV-25 based prototype for Canada. Essentially a LAV-25 with a surveillance suite, which would give it exceptional optics. Truly a fantastic system.
Iltis with GPMG.
That is how I started my career in the CAF.
Veh:
Tow under Iltis. The Iltis with the TOW-2
Hel:
No change
Air:
CF-188 was our sole modern fighter. So several variants of this aircraft could fulfill all of the needed roles. The CF-116 remained as a combat capable trainer until 1995, many with upgraded avionics.
Now, there are a few directions Eugen could go with a Canadian ICV.
The TH-495 was selected for service in 1991 as the replacement for the M113 series as the Multi-Role Combat Vehicle. However, it was cancelled in 1993. In 1996 the LAV-III was selected with first deliveries entering service in 1999.
I will reserve the ship section until we have confirmation on ship size and tonnage, I have seen some rumours but nothing more.
Happy New Year
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