Ottawa weighing ballistic missile defence as part of North American defence upgrades

On the same subject

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  February 1, 2018 | Local, C4ISR

  L3 WESCAM wins defense contracts valued at more than US$250 million

  L3 WESCAM announced on Feb. 1 that it ended the second half of 2017 with more than US$250 million in contracts from military and law enforcement customers for its MX-Series electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) products and in-service support products and services. The orders will provide a range of MX imaging and targeting solutions to both experienced MX end users and military customers new to L3 WESCAM products and services. “For more than 40 years, L3 has been a key supplier of ISR technologies, including sensors and systems, to help military and law enforcement agencies stay on the leading edge as surveillance and reconnaissance missions evolve,” said Jeff Miller, L3's senior vice-president and president of its sensor systems business segment. “We have earned and maintained a very strong reputation for quality, performance, reliability and rapid delivery, having provided more than 4,100 MX surveillance and targeting systems worldwide.” New platforms, new end-user countries The demand for L3 WESCAM's ISR technologies continued to grow as systems were sold for the first time into four new countries across four separate continents, including Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. Additionally, MX-Series systems were purchased for the first time on six significant airborne platforms, including airframes developed in Europe, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. L3 WESCAM turrets are now operating in over 70 countries on more than 190 different types of platforms across the air, land and maritime domains. Continued growth for in-service support L3 continued to experience a growing demand for in-service support contracts from MX customers located across North America, Europe and Asia. To keep operators and maintainers of MX systems operating at maximum efficiency, L3 WESCAM held a series of highly interactive customer conferences in Italy, France, Australia and Canada. With over 230 MX operators and maintainers in attendance, L3 presented a series of technology sessions, gaining pivotal insight into each customer's direct experience with MX products and a better understanding of future surveillance and targeting requirements. Complementing these customer-centric user groups, L3's global in-service support infrastructure, composed of 13 service centres staffed by a team of dedicated field service support personnel, continued to provide unmatched maintenance and repair solutions to customers who rely on L3's airborne, land and maritime imaging capabilities 24/7. L3 WESCAM also conducted a series of new product demonstrations in the latter half of the year that were overwhelmingly successful, underscoring the company's commitment to anticipating customer needs and achieving the highest levels of performance possible. These trials will help to support future business opportunities moving into 2018 and beyond. L3 WESCAM is a world leader in the design and manufacture of stabilized, multi-spectral imaging systems. https://www.wescam.com/wp-content/uploads/Final_WESCAM_-second-half-2017-results.pdf

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  August 27, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

  RCAF to get 2 more CH-149 Cormorants as part of fleet modernization

  The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is to get at least two new Leonardo CH-149s as part of the Canadian government's $1.39 billion mid-life upgrade for its Cormorant fleet. Announcing the move Aug. 22 in Comox, B.C., Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said the upgrades to the existing fleet of 14 Cormorants, which are primarily used for search and rescue (SAR) operations, would extend their life to at least 2042. The upgrade program will bring the Cormorants to the latest AW101-612 standard, currently being delivered to Norway to provide that country's new search and rescue fleet. The capability enhancements and equipment improvements in the upgrade include upgraded avionics in a new glass cockpit; new sensors, radar and search enhancement technology; more powerful digitally-controlled engines; wireless in-cabin communications; LED lighting; and rescue hoist upgrades. “Canadians rely on the women and men of the Royal Canadian Air Force to conduct successful search and rescue operations in challenging circumstances,” said Sajjan. “These enhancements to the CH-149 Cormorant fleet will ensure that search and rescue crews have the right equipment to continue providing these life-saving services.” The upgrade program also includes synthetic training solutions delivered by CAE, including Canada's first AW101 full motion simulator. Other companies working to deliver the upgrade include IMP Aerospace and Defence, GE Canada (which will provide the new engines), and Collins Aerospace (which will provide the new cockpit displays and avionics). “Every year, the Royal Canadian Air Force flies about 1,000 missions in support of search and rescue, a core mission of the Canadian Armed Forces,” said LGen A.D. Meinzinger, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. “These upgrades to the CH-149 Cormorant, and an increase in fleet size ensures the RCAF will continue to deliver search and rescue services in the challenging Canadian environment.” Canada's Cormorant fleet began service in 2000, and are currently based at 19 Wing Comox, B.C,; 9 Wing Gander, N.L.; and 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S. In 2005, CH-149s from the Trenton main operating base were redistributed to those three bases, but with the addition of at least two CH-149s to the fleet, the type will return to Trenton and replace Bell CH-146 Griffons in the SAR role. Leonardo said the upgrade program will be delivered with “no interruption or reduction” in Canada's rotary search and rescue capabilities. https://www.skiesmag.com/news/rcaf-to-get-2-more-ch-149-cormorants-as-part-of-fleet-modernization/

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  March 4, 2020 | Local, Aerospace

  SECURITY AND DRONES!

  Lévis, Qc, February 2020 : Drone Vision International of Lévis, Qc, is pleased to announce to the aeronautical drone community that it has been selected by Correctional Service of Canada to present its drone detection technology in proof of concept possible and adaptable to a challenge named Preventing Contraband Delivery via Air and Ground. To this end, with the help of its Canadian and French partners, including, among others, the leader in radio frequency detection, CerbAir, Drone Vision International is mandated to present a report which constitutes a first step of a multi-stage program in search of a Canadian solution to a technological challenge formulated by a federal organization of Canada. Correctional Service of Canada is seeking a Canadian innovative, scalable and cost-effective technology solution to detect, track and prevent the delivery of contraband items to institutions via both drone and fence throw-over. Drone Vision International, a Canadian start-up will present a proof of concept demonstrating the technological and commercial feasibility of its innovative solution. To follow up on this step, Drone Vision International is eligible to receive another contract to develop and deliver a prototype that meets the expectations of the Correctional Service of Canada. Thanks to the expertise and skills of the Drone Vision International team, a Canadian agency could finally solve a problem that many Canadian citizens are concerned about. It is with enthusiasm that the team from Lévis, Qc, is considering this challenge! For more information, please contact Drone Vision International jac@dronevisioninternational.com www.dronevision.ca Source and reference: https://buyandsell.gc.ca/procurement-data/contract-history/21120-200233-001-SI