NR 13.097 - April 11, 2013
COMOX, B.C. – Today, the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Q.C., Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta – Richmond East, announced a significant investment in new and improved radars at Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) airfields.
Minister Findlay announced that the Government of Canada has awarded a contract valued at approximately $75.5 million to Cassidian, the defence and security division of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company of Munich, Germany, for new area surveillance radar and secondary surveillance radar systems at RCAF airfields across Canada.
“Our Government is committed to providing our Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need to perform their work safely and effectively,” said Minister Findlay. “This contract is just the latest example of our ongoing dedication to deliver the best military capabilities at the best value for Canadians.”
The existing area and secondary radar systems at Canadian Armed Forces aerodromes are reaching the end of their estimated life expectancy. This contract will cover the replacement of these radar systems which are used by the RCAF to support air traffic management at several airfields across the country.
“Our Government is committed to acquiring and maintaining necessary equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces, at the most reasonable price for Canadians, with the greatest benefits for Canadian companies and workers,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. “This contract will ensure that our Royal Canadian Air Force sites continue to meet operational requirements.”
This contract was awarded competitively, and the essential tenets of fairness, openness and transparency continue to be the cornerstones of defence procurement practices. In addition, the Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy requires Cassidian to undertake business activities in Canada at a value equal to that of the contract.
“The Industrial and Regional Benefits policy encourages high-quality and advanced technology business opportunities for Canadian companies. It exposes our firms to global markets and fosters the development of long-term business relationships,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. “This contract is another great example of how our procurement system brings economic benefit to regions across the country and continues to support our industry as a global leader.”
The replacement project will see the installation of seven new area surveillance radar and secondary surveillance radar systems at 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec; 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta; 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador; 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario (one system at an operational site, and a second system as a technical training site for the Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron); 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia; and 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. The systems will be installed over the next three to four years.
