Canada was the launch customer for the system with 36 units on the M113 chassis ordered for the Canadian Army in 1986.

The ADATS was trialed or proposed on a variety of different platforms to suit the needs of the user for the defense of mobile field formations or fixed sites such as airfields.

[5] After their return from Germany, Canadian ADATS systems were only operationally deployed once: In June 2002, they were used to defend the airspace of the G8 summit held in Kananaskis, Alberta.

It led to the resignation of Minister of State for Transport André Bissonnette who had been directly involved in the land deal, and several criminal accusations.

[8] The ADATS cropped up from an extensive competition during which it was selected by the U.S. Army for the forward area air-defense (FAAD)[9] program under the designation MIM-146 for the missile.

][10] In the late 1990s, Canada offered their surplus ADATS systems to the Greek military as part of a low-level air defense program.

The MMEV was to retain and enhance ADATS anti-aircraft and anti-armor capability (85% or better engagement success rate) to meet new threats, provide indirect fire support to ground troops, and would be mounted on an LAV III wheeled armoured vehicle.

It was to be fitted with a 3D radar, non-line-of-sight missile (using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to gather required intelligence and target location at a range of 8 km or more) and low-cost precision kill (LCPK) missile (fireable on direct shot at a >8 km range), based on a 2.75-inch rocket and advanced battle management command and control communication computer and information (BMC41), including link 11/16, to provide intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR).