March 14, 2019 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, highlights the importance of providing the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment and support they need to train and operate successfully. In support of this priority, The Department of National Defence announced today the award of an in-service support (ISS) contract to help maintain and strengthen the communications and information systems the Canadian Army depends on to inform and direct land operations.
The Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) ISS contract was awarded to Rheinmetall Canada for a value of $57.49M. This supports ISTAR components and software that ensure data exchanges occur seamlessly from “sensing” and intelligence-gathering equipment such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or ground radars to the Land Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (LC4ISR) system.
This is one of four contracts supporting the LC4ISR system. The LC4ISR is a highly integrated tactical system composed of many sensor, communication, networking, and information management sub-systems. It is part of every Canadian Army vehicle, weapons platform and headquarters to help coordinate and conduct modern operations. The LC4ISR is made up of numerous hardware, firmware and software elements, and essentially acts as deployed forces' central nervous system.
The contract will support approximately 50 highly skilled jobs in Canada.
“Providing our women and men in uniform with what they need to do the important job we ask of them is one of our top priorities. This contract will help ensure commanders can receive information from key equipment like ground-based radars, electronic warfare suites and remotely piloted aircraft systems in order for them to make timely decisions to achieve operational success. It will also support 50 jobs in Quebec and Ontario.”
– Minister of National Defence, Harjit S. Sajjan
In November 2017, a request for proposals was issued for the ISTAR Support Contract. On October 19, 2018, the contract was awarded to Rheinmetall Canada.
The duration of the contract is five years.
The ISTAR Support Contract is one of four LC4ISR ISS contracts. Together, these contracts provide essential services that include hardware and software engineering work, fixing software issues, correcting any equipment problems, and analyzing and maintaining system health. The ISS also supports specific LC4ISR equipment such as radios.
November 23, 2022 | Local, Aerospace
L’industrie aérospatiale québécoise mise sur les importantes retombées du contrat d’acquisition des avions de chasse F-35 par l’Aviation royale canadienne. La possibilité de réaliser la maintenance des aéronefs sur le sol canadien sera aussi attendue que les investissements espérés dans le domaine de l’innovation technologique.
November 2, 2018 | Local, Naval
November 2, 2018 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces As part of Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada's Defence Policy, the Government of Canada is acquiring the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) to bolster the Royal Canadian Navy's capabilities while equipping its women and men with versatile and reliable vessels to complete their vital missions. Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence announced that the Royal Canadian Navy will receive a sixth patrol ship, which will help sustain hundreds of highly-skilled middle class jobs at Irving shipyards. The Royal Canadian Navy needs a diversified fleet to respond to the challenges it faces today and will face well into the future. The AOPS will patrol Canada's oceans, including the Arctic, and are perfectly suited for missions abroad to support international partners, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, search and rescue, and drug interdiction. A sixth patrol ship will greatly increase the capacity of the Royal Canadian Navy to deploy AOPS simultaneously, at home or abroad. Additionally, a fleet of six AOPS will allow our frigates to focus on further tasks, allowing the RCN to use its fleet more effectively. The Government of Canada is also committed to providing the best economic opportunities for Canadians. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is providing the Royal Canadian Navy with safe and effective vessels to carry out their missions, while providing meaningful economic opportunities for Canadians. Quotes “I am delighted to confirm today that the Royal Canadian Navy will receive a sixth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, as outlined in our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. This versatile vessel will offer greater capabilities to our women and men who will sail on the AOPS and will bolster the RCN's future operational capacity.” Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister “The National Shipbuilding Strategy continues to create social and economic benefits for Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The construction of the sixth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship underscores our commitment to maximizing stable employment for our skilled shipbuilders, while supporting the brave women and men of the Royal Canadian Navy in their important work.” Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility “I could not be more pleased with the decision to proceed with the construction of the sixth AOPS. These ships will enhance the RCN's capacity to operate in the North, while continuing to contribute to a wide range of security, humanitarian and capacity building operations at home and around the world.” Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy Quick facts The decision for a sixth ship was made possible after ensuring adequate funding for the acquisition of the ship, as well as the modified production schedule. The Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships will significantly enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' capabilities and presence in the Arctic, as well as augment their presence on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, better enabling the Royal Canadian Navy to safeguard Canadian Arctic sovereignty. The AOPS are highly versatile platforms that can be used on a variety of missions at home and abroad, such as coastal surveillance, search and rescue, drug interdiction, support to international partners, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. Three ships are in full production and steel cutting for the fourth ship is planned for this winter. The first AOPS is now in the water and is expected to be delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in summer 2019. Associated links Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships Future HMCS Harry DeWolf given official title at naming ceremony HMCS Harry DeWolf National Shipbuilding Strategy Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy Contacts Byrne Furlong Press Secretary Office of the Minister of National Defence 613-996-3100 Media Relations Department of National Defence Phone: 613-996-2353 Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2018/11/the-royal-canadian-navy-to-receive-a-sixth-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship.html
April 20, 2021 | Local, Aerospace
The Canadian government recognized the strategic importance of Canada's aerospace sector, which directly and indirectly supported nearly 235,000 jobs in 2019, and signalled its intention to ensure the industry can remain an important driver of Canada’s economy.