Nouvelles

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN The Liberal government is buying new armoured vehicles for the Canadian Forces but the sole source deal will cost taxpayers double what was originally estimated. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan announced Friday that the government would buy 360 combat support Light Armoured Vehicles from General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, with the project costing $3 billion. The project was originally announced by the Liberal government with an estimated cost between $500 million and $1.5 billion. The plan was to award the contract in 2023 after a competition. But with the federal election looming the deal was fast-tracked by the Liberals, joining a series of recent defence-related funding announcements. A competition was jettisoned, replaced with a sole-source deal with General Dynamics, based in London, Ont. The deal includes a $650 million repayable loan, but the Department of National Defence said it had no details on that arrangement. It referred questions to Global Affairs Canada, which noted in an emailed statement that the federal government is “willing to provide a loan to General Dynamics Land Systems Canada to ensure the timely delivery of the Light Armoured Vehicles for our men and women in uniform. The Government of Canada is providing a loan to GDLS-C to support jobs and suppliers as GDLS-C navigates a challenging and dynamic international defence market.” The terms of the loan would be negotiated over the coming weeks, Global Affairs Canada added. The DND noted that the project costs include not only the vehicles but logistics support and new infrastructure to house and maintain the equipment. General Dynamics will provide the new vehicles in eight variants. They will be used as ambulances and in other roles such as vehicle recovery, engineering, mobile repair, electronic warfare and as command posts. The current fleet of armoured support vehicles is comprised of the LAV II Bison and the M113 tracked vehicle. The federal government said it is in the final stages of contract negotiations with General Dynamics. The contract is expected in the coming weeks. It noted in a news release that fast-tracking the deal would allow the Department of National Defence to save costs associated with maintaining or extending the life of the current fleet. The DND stated the contract was sole-sourced to General Dynamics as the firm builds most other armoured vehicles for the Canadian Forces and having a vehicle based on the same chassis allows for savings in maintenance and training. The company's light armoured vehicle is the core of the Canadian Forces armoured vehicle fleet. In addition, as the company has recently completed the conversion of the light armoured vehicle fleet to a new configuration so it has the skilled workforce in place, according to the DND. That would reduce the risk of delays in delivery of the new vehicles, stated the DND in an email. “For these reasons, we believe it would not be in the public interest to solicit bids,” it added in an email. General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada is also building similar light armoured vehicles for Saudi Arabia in a deal worth $15 billion. The Liberal government launched a review of that controversial contract after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey. Earlier this year a United Nations report determined that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the killing of Khashoggi who was a critic of that country's regime. Saudi Arabia has also faced severe criticism for its role in the ongoing war in Yemen, with allegations it has conducted unlawful airstrikes on civilians. A dozen organizations sent Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a letter earlier in August, questioning the status of the review and pointing out that no updates on progress have been provided. The lack of such information has brought “the sincerity of the effort into question,” according to the letter endorsed by organizations such as Oxfam Canada and Amnesty International. Various groups have demanded the Liberals cancel the Saudi deal, which was negotiated by the previous Conservative government. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/sole-source-armoured-vehicle-deal-with-general-dynamics-costs-double-original-estimates

De : Défense nationale Communiqué de presse Le 16 août 2019 – London (Ontario) – Défense nationale/Forces armées canadiennes Le gouvernement du Canada franchit une autre étape pour procurer aux Forces armées canadiennes (FAC) l'équipement moderne dont elles ont besoin pour fonctionner dans tout le spectre des opérations, et ce, mieux protégées contre diverses menaces, comme le souligne la politique de défense du Canada Protection, Sécurité, Engagement. L'honorable Harjit S. Sajjan, ministre de la Défense nationale, a annoncé que le gouvernement achètera 360 véhicules blindés légers (VBL) d'appui tactique de la General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-C). Les fonds nécessaires sont compris dans le budget approuvé réservé à la mise en œuvre de la politique de défense susmentionnée. Le gouvernement du Canada a également l'intention de fournir un prêt à remboursement à la GDLS-C. Afin d'accroître au maximum les retombées économiques de ce projet pour la population canadienne, le fournisseur réinvestira une somme rigoureusement égale à la valeur de ce contrat dans l'économie canadienne afin de créer des emplois et des possibilités en matière d'innovation. En plus des quelque 1 650 emplois existant à l'usine de la General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) à London, des travailleurs occupant près de 8 500 autres emplois disséminés dans tout le Canada aideront à fournir les pièces et l'équipement nécessaires à la construction des véhicules blindés légers. Le VBL est essentiel au parc de véhicules de combat de l'Armée et il appuie nos militaires, femmes et hommes, dans toute une gamme d'opérations, y compris les missions de soutien de la paix à l'étranger et les opérations de secours qui ont été menées lors des vastes inondations s'étant produites au Nouveau‑Brunswick, au Québec et en Ontario. Le VBL est une plateforme qui a fait ses preuves et qui répond aux besoins de l'Armée canadienne. La présence de véhicules d'appui tactique semblables dans le parc des Forces armées canadiennes offrira de nombreux avantages opérationnels, y compris la réduction du coût de l'instruction et du maintien en puissance et la disponibilité de pièces de rechange communes pour réparer les véhicules rapidement au cours d'opérations critiques. Les véhicules blindés d'appui tactique remplissent des rôles clés et servent notamment de postes de commandement, d'ambulances et d'ateliers mobiles de réparation. Cette nouvelle flotte offrira la protection et la mobilité dont les membres des FAC ont besoin pour exécuter leur travail dans les environnements opérationnels. Citations « Le VBL est l'épine dorsale de la flotte de véhicules de combat de l'Armée et il soutient nos militaires, femmes et hommes, dans tout un éventail d'opérations, allant des interventions de secours en cas de catastrophe au Canada telles que l'opération LENTUS aux missions de soutien de la paix à l'étranger. Je suis heureux de pouvoir renforcer notre flotte de véhicules blindés d'appui tactique, comme notre gouvernement s'est engagé à le faire dans la politique de défense Protection, Sécurité, Engagement, tout en soutenant des emplois canadiens et en favorisant l'innovation gr'ce à notre partenariat avec GDLS-C. » – Le ministre de la Défense nationale, Harjit S. Sajjan « Nous sommes résolus à fournir à nos militaires, femmes et hommes, l'équipement qu'il leur faut pour exécuter leur travail important. Dans le cadre de la politique de défense du Canada Protection, Sécurité, Engagement, l'annonce d'aujourd'hui nous fait avancer dans l'exécution de notre plan qui vise à fournir aux Forces armées canadiennes l'équipement moderne dont elles ont besoin, dans les limites du budget établi, tout en garantissant des emplois à la classe moyenne dans l'ensemble du pays. » – La ministre des Services publics, de l'Approvisionnement et de l'Accessibilité, Carla Qualtrough « Notre gouvernement continue de créer de bons emplois et des possibilités économiques pour les canadiennes et les canadiens. Chaque dollar dépensé aux fins de ce projet sera réinvesti dans l'économie canadienne en créant des débouchés pour les fournisseurs canadiens et en soutenant de bons emplois pour la classe moyenne. » – Le ministre de l'Innovation, des Sciences et du Développement économique, Navdeep Bains Faits en bref La flotte actuelle de véhicules blindés d'appui comprend des VBL II Bison et des VBL chenillés M113. Le gouvernement du Canada en est aux dernières étapes de la négociation d'un contrat avec GDLS-C. Le coût estimatif du projet pourrait atteindre trois milliards de dollars, et le prêt remboursable atteindra jusqu'à 650 millions de dollars. Ce premier montant comprend aussi le coût de la nouvelle infrastructure où les véhicules seront logés et entretenus. Les véhicules blindés d'appui tactique des FAC seront livrés en huit versions et pourront ainsi remplir divers rôles tels que: ambulances, récupération de véhicules, travaux de génie, atelier mobile de réparation, guerre électronique, transport de troupes et postes de commandement. En acquérant les véhicules maintenant, le Ministère épargnera les frais liés à l'entretien et à la prolongation de la durée de vie de la flotte actuelle de véhicules. La politique de défense du Canada Protection, Sécurité, Engagement contient l'engagement « d'intégrer l'analyse comparative entre les sexes plus (ACS+) dans toutes les activités liées à la défense dans l'ensemble des Forces armées canadiennes et au ministère de la Défense nationale ». Cela garantit que chaque activité, y compris l'acquisition de nouvelles plateformes majeures, prend en compte l'ACS+. L'opération LENTUS correspond aux interventions des Forces armées canadiennes (FAC) en cas de catastrophes naturelles au Canada. Elle suit un plan d'action établi pour soutenir les collectivités en crise. Les FAC peuvent alors utiliser des navires, des véhicules, des aéronefs et divers autres équipements. La Politique des retombées industrielles et technologiques est le principal outil dont dispose le gouvernement pour assurer les retombées économiques des grands marchés de défense, ce qui signifie que le fournisseur réinvestira dans l'économie canadienne un montant rigoureusement égal à la valeur du contrat. Liens connexes Protection, Sécurité, Engagement : la politique de défense du Canada Véhicule blindé d'appui tactique – Programme des capacités de la Défense Personnes-ressources Todd Lane Attaché de presse Cabinet du ministre de la Défense nationale Téléphone : 613-996-3100 Relations avec les médias Ministère de la Défense nationale Téléphone : 613-996-2353 Courriel : mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca https://www.canada.ca/fr/ministere-defense-nationale/nouvelles/2019/08/le-canada-negocie-lachat-de-nouveaux-vehicules-blindes-dappui-tactique.html

Canadians, tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained airports. From visiting friends and family, to travelling to medical appointments, or getting goods to market, we rely on our local airports to support and sustain vibrant communities. These airports also provide essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response. Marc Garneau, minister of Transport, announced a Government of Canada investment to purchase a grader at the North Peace Regional Airport. The grader, valued at $223,728, will assist with the essential clearing of ice and snow from runways, taxiways and the apron. Keeping runways, taxiways and aprons free of snow and ice ensures safe usage by aircraft, passengers, and crews, and helps protect costly airport safety assets during airport operations. “Our Government recognizes that local airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities. In addition to supporting travel and tourism, local airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. These investments will improve access to safe, efficient and accessible air transportation options, and will help us deliver on our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada,” explained Garneau. https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/government-of-canada-investing-in-safety-at-the-north-peace-regional-airport/ https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/government-of-canada-investing-in-safety-at-the-la-ronge-barber-field-airport/ https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/government-of-canada-investing-in-safety-at-the-kamloops-airport-2/

GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is revitalizing a world-class marine industry in order to provide the women and men of the Royal Canadian Navy with the safe and effective warships they require to protect Canadian sovereignty. The government is investing more than $7.5 billion in the Royal Canadian Navy's 12 Halifax-class frigates to provide necessary ongoing maintenance until they are retired in the early 2040s. Today, the Government of Canada awarded a $500-million contract to Irving Shipbuilding Inc., of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to carry out maintenance work on the Halifax-class frigates. This initial five-year contract guarantees a minimum of three frigates for the shipyard, with work planned to begin in the early 2020s. The contract is expected to rise in value as additional work packages are added. This contract is expected to result in up to 400 jobs at the shipyard, plus hundreds of related jobs for marine sector suppliers and subcontractors across the country. On July 16, 2016, the Government of Canada awarded similar contracts to Seaspan's Victoria Shipyards Limited in Victoria, British Columbia, and Chantier Davie in Lévis, Quebec. The Canadian Surface Combatants will replace the Halifax-class frigates and the retired Iroquois-class destroyers. With them, the Royal Canadian Navy will have modern and capable ships to monitor and defend Canada's waters, to continue to contribute to international naval operations for decades to come and to rapidly deploy credible naval forces worldwide, on short notice. Construction on the Canadian Surface Combatants is scheduled to begin at Irving in the early 2020s. Quotes "The National Shipbuilding Strategy continues to support the women and men of the Royal Canadian Navy by providing them with safe, reliable ships to carry out their important work on behalf of Canada. This contract is another example of how the Strategy is helping to maintain our existing fleet, while supporting economic opportunities for the Canadian marine sector across the country." The Honourable Carla Qualtrough Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility "This announcement is essential for supporting the modernization of the Royal Canadian Navy. With our government's continued investment, our navy will continue to contribute to maritime security and stability around the world. This is a testament to how our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, continues Canada's re‑engagement in the world. I am proud of our sailors and the great work they do." The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan Minister of National Defence Quick facts Docking maintenance work periods are essential to ensure the Halifax-class frigates are available and reliable during their operational cycle and deployments. Of the current fleet of Halifax-class frigates, 7 have their home port in Halifax, Nova Scotia, while the 5 others are based in Esquimalt, British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Navy requires that at least 8 of the 12 frigates are able to deploy at all times to meet the Navy's commitment to the Government of Canada. The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, including the Value Proposition, was applied to this procurement. These frigates monitor and control Canadian waters, defend Canada's sovereignty, facilitate large-scale search and rescue activities, and provide emergency assistance when needed. The frigates operate with and integrate into the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and coalitions of allied states in support of international peace and security operations. Introduced into service in the 1990s, the Canadian-built Halifax-class frigates were recently modernized to remain effective and operationally relevant until the Canadian Surface Combatants enter into service https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-awards-third-contract-to-help-maintain-canada-s-fleet-of-combat-vessels-818012638.html

by Eric Dumigan Under blue skies, the team wowed thousands in a special one-day edition of Aero Gatineau-Ottawa. The Red Arrows, who last performed in North America more than a decade ago, are conducting an 11-week North American tour that “aims to promote the best of British and deepen partnerships with close friends and allies.” The contingent includes 108 people, 12 Red Arrows Hawk T1 aircraft and one Atlas A400M RAF transport aircraft. In their 55th season, the Red Arrows will travel coast to coast across North America, conducting aerobatic displays, flypasts and ground engagements. The Red Arrows use a mix of red, white and blue smoke during their performances to enhance visual presentation. Eric Dumigan Photo The team's leader, Martin Pert, leads the nine-plane formation in a series of manoeuvres with formations that salute the 50th anniversary of the Apollo mission; the Concorde, the world's only supersonic commercial aircraft; the Second World War Lancaster bomber; and the Tornado, a multi-roll strike aircraft that was retired from the RAF in 2019. The team uses red, white and blue smoke to enhance its visual presentation. The Red Arrows were formed in 1965 and have performed over 5,000 displays in 57 countries around the world. The Folland Gnat was replaced in 1980 with their current aircraft, the BAE Systems Hawk T1 trainer. The Hawk is a standard military two-seat advanced trainer with a tweaked engine to allow for faster response times. The Red Arrows performed a flypast in Halifax this past weekend and will perform in Toronto on Labour Day weekend, and in Victoria and Vancouver between September 24 and 27. Aero Gatineau-Ottawa will host a full airshow from Sept. 6 to 8, featuring the U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II Demo Team. https://www.skiesmag.com/news/red-arrows-rock-gatineau-ottawa/

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is seemingly doing more industry events these past few years than in the past, and the next six months will see up six events scheduled. The upcoming events are: September 16 – 20: CSA 2019 Fall Industry days – Canadian industry stakeholders will have the opportunity to explore the Lunar Gateway Program and meet with international primes to discuss potential partnerships at CSA Headquarters in Saint-Hubert. QC. More information released coming soon. October 17 – 18: CSA International Industry Days – Canadian industry will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of German and Brazilian space industries, governments and military at CSA Headquarters in Saint-Hubert, QC. More information released coming soon. October 21 – 25: International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2019 – Satellite Canada Innovation Network Inc. (SatCan) is leading the Canada Pavilion at the 70th International Astronautical Congress 2019 being held in Washington, DC. Over 4,000 people are expected as the Americans put on a show for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon mission. February 2020: Investment Space 2020 – The inaugural InvestmentSpace event last February was very successful so the CSA is planning the next edition for February 2020. Exact dates and location TBC. The CSA is also planning possible delegations to Australia and Japan depending on industry interest. Australia: GEO Ministerial, 4-9 November 2019, Canberra Last year, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australian Space Agency (ASA) that establishes a cooperative framework for joint activities, exchange of expertise, greater cooperation in the areas of research and development, academic exchange and industry collaboration. In line with the agreement, the CSA is considering a mission to Australia on the margins of the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) Ministerial Summit and Industry Track (detailed information attached) in Canberra. This could take various forms, including 1) Outreach Program and 2) Booth where you can exhibit your products. In addition, GEO events may provide opportunities to network with potential Asian partners and with the Digital Africa Initiative. If there is enough interest, the CSA could work with Trade Commissioner Service in Australia to develop an outreach program, including meetings with Australia Space Agency senior officials and B2Bs with Australian companies. Expo space (Canada Booth) during GEO week could be arranged if there is enough interest from the Canadian space industry. For 2019 the GEO Secretariat is introducing a new Associate Member category designed to encourage industry's participation in GEO. Associate Members would be invited to participate in GEO Plenaries, thus providing insights into the data and information needs of the GEO community to potentially inform investments and gain access to market opportunities in the GEO member states. Canada's lead for GEO, Environment and Climate Change Canada, would have to provide Canadian companies with a Letter of Support to become an Associate Member (the CSA could facilitate this process). Would you be interested in participating in this mission? YES/NO Would you be interested in participating in a Canadian booth at the Expo? YES/NO Would you be interested in becoming a GEO Associate Member? YES/NO Japan: Option 1 – CSA-led Mission and attendance to DSEI, 18-19 November 2019, Chiba and Tokyo This potential mission could be co-organized between CSA and Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), and would include participation to the DSEI and access to Canadian Pavilion organized by CADSI . DSEI Japan would be an important defence event and will bring together participants from the global defence and security sector, as well as the Japanese defence community to explore partnerships, innovative projects and share knowledge. The CSA could work with Trade Commissioner Service Tokyo to develop an additional space-focused outreach program to include site visits and meetings with senior JAXA officials and Japanese industry sector organisations, on the margins of DSEI event. Would you be interested to participate in this mission? YES/NO Would you be interested to be part of CADSI Canadian Pavilion during DSEI event: YES/NO Japan: Option 2 – CSA-led Stand Alone Mission (end of January – early February 2020), Tokyo The CSA could develop a space-focused outreach program with the Trade Commissioner Service to include site visits and meetings with senior JAXA officials and Japanese industry sector organisations; the approximate duration of this mission would be 1 week. Would you be interested to participate in this mission? YES/NO If interested in the Australia or Japan opportunities, the CSA was looking for responses to these questions by last Friday emailed to asc.relationsindustrie-industryrelations.csa@canada.ca. As well they were asking you to include specific areas of interest (your interested in) to ensure that outreach programs and meetings with foreign government officials are relevant to your needs. http://spaceq.ca/canadian-space-agency-prepares-for-busy-six-month-of-industry-events/

Rotor Maxx Support Limited (RMS) is the successful bidder on the Canadian CH-124 Sea King (Sikorsky SH-3) competitive sales process. RMS recognizes what the aircraft need in order to have a viable future and will be upgrading/modernizing them in order to improve flight safety, increase performance and enhance operational reliability before making them available to both military and non-military customers. Already a world leader in all aspects of support for the S61/H-3 series helicopter, RMS is well prepared for the work that lies ahead. The 15 CH-124s will complement RMS's current fleet of eight civilian S61s and allow for expansion of its existing aircraft leasing/sale and total aircraft support (TAS) programs. The acquisition includes a significant inventory of parts, tooling and equipment which, when added to RMS's already comprehensive stock, will contribute extensively to the TAS program included with each aircraft delivery. RMS recognizes that many Canadian companies have equipment, systems and modifications already available or nearing availability to the global aerospace market that could be applied to their modernization program and looks forward to working with any company whose participation adds Canadian content to the finished product. The S61/H-3 has been, and continues to be, exceedingly popular with both military and civilian operations worldwide, so not surprisingly, RMS is already receiving interest from eligible foreign parties. While contact information for all departments can be found on the RMS website, enquiries regarding the CH-124 program (including employment opportunities) should be directed to RMS's CEO, Mike Wiggins. https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/rotor-maxx-support-ltd-acquires-canadian-ch-124-sea-kings/

The Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) has wrapped its ninth annual successful conference and trade show, marking the first major gathering of Canada's aerospace sector since the release of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada's (AIAC) industry-led Vision 2025 report. “ADSE 2019 once again attracted a broad cross-section of aerospace, defence and security industry representatives, from across Canada and around the world, with interests in ensuring Canada remains a leader in an increasingly fierce competitive global economy,” said Jim Quick, president and CEO of AIAC. “Their continued collaboration and input are vital as we move ahead with the six key priorities identified during the months of cross-country consultations that informed our report, Charting a New Course.” The six priorities are: Building the most skilled and talented workforce in the world; Ensuring small and medium-sized aerospace businesses thrive and grow; Using innovation to capture new opportunities, including carbon-neutral flight and unmanned vehicles; Investing to maintain Canada's status as a world-class regulator; Leveraging Canada's role at the forefront of space; Maximizing defence procurement and government partnerships to drive new industrial growth. ADSE 2019 featured an impressive line-up of speakers as well as industry exhibits, keynote speeches, panels and workshops, together with numerous B2B and networking opportunities. High-profile presenters included: Carla Qualtrough, Canadian minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility Harjit Sajjan, minister of National Defence Bruce Ralston, B.C. minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Dave Curtis, executive chair, Longview Aviation Capital Lorraine Ben, chief executive, Lockheed Martin Canada Bob Cantwell, managing director, Boeing Canada and Boeing Vancouver Florian Sodtke, Heat of Combat Air Systems Marketing, Airbus Defence and Space ADSE is a world-class aerospace exhibition. It is Western Canada's largest aerospace event and the only Canadian expo linked to a major international airshow. Hosted by AIAC (Pacific division) it occurs each August in Abbotsford, B.C., in conjunction with the Abbotsford International Airshow. AIAC and AIAC Pacific wish to extend special thanks to ADSE's nearly 30 sponsors in 2019 — especially presenting partners Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Province of British Columbia, and platinum partners the City of Abbotsford, Cascade Aerospace, KF Aerospace, and Lockheed Martin — for their generous and ongoing support, without which ADSE would not be possible. https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/aerospace-defence-and-security-expo-adse-marks-next-phase-of-vision-2025/

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN The next phase of the purchase of new surveillance aircraft for Canadian special forces is expected to begin soon with the request for bids for long-term maintenance of the planes. Canadian special forces will receive three new surveillance aircraft from the U.S. with the planes expected to arrive in 2022. A request for bids from Canadian firms to provide in-service support is to be released by the end of the summer. The purchase of the aircraft has raised questions about why the cost is substantially more than what the U.S. Air Force spends to buy the same or similar aircraft. The three Beechcraft King Air planes, to be based at CFB Trenton in Ontario, will be outfitted with sensors and equipment to intercept cell phone and other electronic transmissions. Canadian special forces and, potentially, other government departments will use them for missions overseas and in Canada. The agreement for the aircraft was finalized on April 26 with the U.S. government. Three aircraft and equipment will be delivered in the spring of 2022, the Canadian Forces noted. The agreement signed with the U.S. government is for $188 million (CAN). The U.S. Air Force lists the cost of the MC-12W surveillance aircraft as $17 million each or around $23 million Canadian. That includes communications/sensors and modification of the aircraft for that equipment. So three aircraft should cost in total about $70 million Canadian. At first it was unclear why Canada was paying more than double what the U.S. spends on the same planes. But the Department of National Defence now says the extra cost includes more powerful engines and a modernized cockpit. “As such, the cost for this new variant of the aircraft is higher than previous models,” the DND added in a statement. Also included in the overall agreement is two years of field service support and a technical data package which will enable the Canadian government to solicit bids from domestic firms to maintain the planes, according to the DND. No breakdown of the various costs was provided. The DND also noted that the initial outlay for the aircraft provides the “greatest benefit to Canada's industrial base.” It pointed out that it consulted with industry and determined buying from the U.S. was the best approach. Canadian industry officials, however, have disputed that claim. Various Canadian firms responded to the federal government's initial request for information in August 2013, highlighting that they could provide the aircraft needed by the Canadian Forces as well as integrate whatever equipment was selected or required by Canadian special forces. But the procurement was changed to have the aircraft purchased directly from the U.S. government and using U.S. firms. Attempts by Canadian companies to get an explanation about the change in direction were rebuffed, industry officials say. But the DND says Canadian firms will be providing the maintenance support for the aircraft. The federal government will solicit bids for the in-service support contract which will have the potential to cover a 23-year period. “The value of potential maintenance contracts is not yet known,” according to the DND. A draft request for proposals for the in-service support portion has been released with a final RFP expected sometime in the summer. No specific date was provided. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/next-phase-of-canadian-special-forces-aircraft-project-soon-to-begin