Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Procurement

On this page

Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC)

  • National Defence is committed to meeting 21st century security challenges, including by providing our Navy with next-generation warships.
  • We are working with industry to finalize the selected ship design for the Canadian Surface Combatants, with a view to beginning production in 2024.
  • This project will promote investments in innovation and supplier development, generating over 30 billion dollars in GDP, and creating and sustaining more than ten thousand jobs over the next 25 years.
  • This includes job training and apprenticeship opportunities for Indigenous Canadians, visible minorities, and underrepresented groups.
  • We will remain transparent as we work with industry to find efficiencies, accelerate project timelines, and update costs as the design progresses.

If pressed on delays:

  • While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted project schedules due to temporary shipyard closures and supply chain challenges, we are still making important progress.
  • In fact, we will begin the implementation phase of this project in 2024.
  • This involves cutting steel to begin initial low rate production and the continued purchase of long lead acquisition material.

Key Facts

  • Estimated Budget: $56B - $60B
  • Timeline: First delivery in early 2030s
  • GBA +: Canadian Surface Combatant ships will include berths, wash places, bathrooms, medical facilities, and off-duty areas that are designed to accommodate all genders and promote privacy.
  • Indigenous Relations: Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is leading initiatives, including job training and apprenticeships for Indigenous Canadians, visible minorities, and underrepresented groups in shipbuilding.

Details

  • Canada’s new class of warship – the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) – will replace and update the capabilities found in both the retired Iroquois-class destroyers and the Halifax-class frigates. This single class of ship will be capable of meeting multiple threats on the open ocean and the coastal environment.
  • The new warships will be able to conduct a broad range of tasks, including:
    • Delivering decisive combat power at sea, either independently or as part of a Canadian or international task group;
    • Supporting the Canadian Armed Forces and Canada’s allies ashore;
    • Conducting counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, interdiction and embargo operations for medium intensity operations; and,
    • Delivering humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and law and sovereignty enforcement for regional engagements.
  • Project status:
    • In February 2019, the Government selected a design for CSC, and announced that Irving Shipbuilding had contracted Lockheed Martin Canada to provide the design and design team.
    • Canada is now working with Irving Shipbuilding, Lockheed Martin Canada, and their subcontractors to evolve the selected ship design and systems integration.
  • Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) Estimates:
    • Upcoming PBO report: In June, 2022, the House Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) passed a motion requesting that PBO undertake an analysis of the active life cycle costs of the Canadian Surface Combatant ships, including decommissioning and disposal.
    • Latest PBO report: In a February 2021 report, PBO provided the following estimates for the CSC Project:
      • 2021 PBO-CSC Report: $77.3B (with taxes)
      • 2019 PBO-CSC Report: $69.8B (with taxes)
    • Rationale for the difference between PBO and DND estimates include:
      • PBO relies more on models; National Defence’s estimates integrate costs received from suppliers through request for proposals.
      • PBO model places greater emphasis on overall ship weight. Any increase in ship weight translates into an increase in cost.
      • National Defence considers weight as a factor in its cost analysis, but it also incorporates the information received from industry, such as the actual known prices for the equipment required.
      • PBO also includes provincial sales tax.
  • Economic Benefits:
    • Construction will occur in Halifax, Nova Scotia at Irving Shipbuilding.
      • More than 10,000 jobs over the 25 year build period.
      • Generating at least $31B in GDP.
    • Irving Shipbuilding Inc. and Lockheed Martin Canada will invest an amount equal to their contract value back into Canada’s economy.
    • The CSC project will promote growth of key industrial capabilities in Canada by creating investments in innovation, supplier development, and export opportunities with a focus on cyber security and the marine sector.

Back to top

Joint Support Ships (JSS)

  • National Defence is committed to procuring two Joint Support Ships that will help defend Canada and contribute to international security, by providing crucial at-sea replenishment capabilities.
  • These ships will also have military-standard capabilities, providing our sailors the protection they need when deployed in high-threat environments.
  • The construction of both ships is underway with the delivery of the first ship expected in 2025.
  • National Defence continues to review timelines as we assess the impact of supply chain issues on production efficiency.
  • We will continue to work with industry and partners as we advance this project, which supports nearly 4,000 jobs in Canada and provides a $2.4 billion investment into the Canadian economy.

Key Facts

  • Budget: Up to $4.1BFootnote *
  • Timelines:
    • Joint Support Ship 1: Cut steel: 2018; Planned delivery: 2025Footnote *
    • Joint Support Ship 2: Cut steel: May 2022; Planned delivery: 2027Footnote *
  • Economic Benefits: The Joint Support Ships program will sustain 3,900 jobs in the Canadian marine industry while the ships are under construction including more than 1,000 at Seaspan.
  • GBA+: The Joint Support Ships were designed specifically to:
    • Accommodate a mixed-gender crew by including gender- inclusive toilets, chair heights and sightlines, and private showers and changing areas;
    • Provide Wi-Fi to facilitate crew communications with families back home; and,
    • Provide crew with modern fitness facilities, a library, and a computer lab.

Details

  • In June 2020, a $2.4 billion contract (including taxes) was awarded to Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards to progress with full-rate construction.
  • The two new Joint Support Ships (JSS) are intended to replace the Navy’s Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels. They will provide at-sea support to naval task groups, limited sealift capabilities, and support to operations ashore.
  • The JSS is critical to the future of the Royal Canadian Navy, and constitutes a vital and strategic national asset. The presence of replenishment ships increases the range and endurance of a naval task group, permitting it to remain at sea for significant periods of time without returning to port for replenishment.
  • The JSS will provide Canada with a modern, task tailored, globally deployable, naval support capability that can provide support to the ships and aircraft of a naval task group at sea. It will be crewed by Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
  • The new JSS will have capabilities such as:
    • Underway support to naval task groups.
      • Re-supply of fuel, ammunition, spare parts and other supplies between ships at sea;
      • Operation and maintenance of helicopters; and,
      • Task group medical and dental facilities.
    • Sealift. JSS will be capable of transporting and delivering cargo both in support of task group operations and in support to operations ashore.
    • Support to operations ashore. To meet a range of possibilities in an uncertain future security environment, the JSS will leverage its on-board facilities to support operations ashore, including anything from combat to humanitarian and disaster relief.
  • JSS Survival capabilities:
    • Equipped with systems to detect and protect against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
    • Equipped with a full range of features and systems that enhance their survivability and allow them to fully integrate with other warships (e.g., have a combat management system, multiple weapons systems, an electronic support measures suite, and dual shafts for enhanced redundancy).
  • Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) Estimate:
    • In November 2020, the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) released a fiscal analysis of the JSS project in response to a request from the House of Commons Government Operations and Estimates Committee (OGGO).
    • The PBO estimated that the JSS will cost $ 4.1 billion (with taxes) which is in line with National Defence's cost estimate.
  • MV Asterix:
    • The MV Asterix is an interim commercial solution while the Joint Support Ships are being built and does not meet the Navy’s long-term requirements.

Back to top

Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS)

  • National Defence is committed to enhancing Arctic capabilities and supporting Canadian sovereignty in the North.
  • That is why National Defence is procuring six new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, designed to operate in previously inaccessible northern waters.
  • In fact, three of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships are already in the water, and the delivery of the remaining three is anticipated by 2025.
  • In summer 2022, HMCS Margaret Brooke made its first operational deployment as part of Operation NANOOK, setting a new record for travelling the furthest north by an RCN Arctic and Offshore Patrol vessel.
  • The RCN will also focus on building strong ties with Northern Indigenous communities as they operate in and around their territories.
  • National Defence will continue to advance this project, which also supports over 2,000 jobs in the Canadian economy.

Key Facts

  • Budget: Up to $4.3B - The full impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on project costs is still being assessed.
  • Timeline:
    • July 31, 2020: The first AOPS vessel was delivered.
    • In 2021 HMCS Harry DeWolf completed a circumnavigation of North America, including a transit of the Northwest Passage.
    • August 15, 2022: Production of the sixth and final ship for the RCN began.
    • September 2, 2022: The third ship, the future HMCS Max Bernays, was accepted.
    • 2025: Delivery target for the final ship.
  • Indigenous Relations: Each ship will be affiliated with an Inuit region to build strong ties with Arctic Indigenous communities as they operate in and around their territories.
  • GBA+: The AOPS were designed to accommodate a mixed- gender crew:
    • Reduced cabin occupancy to facilitate a mix-gendered crew, create privacy, and promote greater comfort;
    • flexible use spaces will accommodate various spiritual practices and promote welfare and team cohesion; and
    • Integrated Wi-Fi will facilitate crew communications with families back home.

Details

  • Built at Irving Shipbuilding Inc., Halifax.
  • The AOPS will be able to operate in up to 1 meter of first-year ice which is the ice condition experienced annually in the various waterways of the Canadian Arctic between June and October. Ice capability provided by the AOPS will provide a greater and longer Canadian Armed Forces presence in the Canadian North.
  • This will allow the Royal Canadian Navy to have unescorted access to areas of the Arctic that were previously inaccessible.
  • These vessels are able to perform a wide variety of tasks, including:
    • Surveillance operations of Canadian waters;
    • Support of sovereignty operations;
    • International operations;
    • Humanitarian assistance, emergency response and disaster relief; and
    • Search and Rescue.
  • Timeline:
    • Ship 1 delivered on: July 31, 2020
    • Ship 2 delivered on: July 15, 2021
    • Ship 3 delivered: September 2, 2022
    • Ship 4 anticipated delivery: 2023
    • Ship 5 anticipated delivery: 2024
    • Ship 6 anticipated delivery: 2025
  • Indigenous Relations:
    • Each Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship will be affiliated with a region of Inuit Nanangat. These affiliations are a long-standing naval tradition and deeply valued by the sailors and the civilian communities.
      • HMCS Harry DeWolf formally affiliated with the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut: May 2019.
      • HMCS Margaret Brooke will be formally affiliated with the Nunatsiavut region on September 21, 2022 in Hopedale, Labrador.
      • The remaining ships will be affiliated with the following regions in Inuit Nunangat: Kitikmeot; Kivalliq; Inuvialuit; Nunavik.
    • Over the next several years, the six vessels and their crews will build ties with the communities in these regions, founded on mutual respect, during routine operations in Canada’s Northern waters.
    • HMCS Harry DeWolf participated in Op NANOOK-TATIGIIT, NANOOK-NUNALIVUT, and NANOOK-TUUGALIK from August 3, 2021 to September 16, 2021.
      • One of HMCS Harry DeWolf’s central tasks on Op NANOOK was the development of meaningful and longstanding relationships between the ship and its affiliated region.
      • HMCS Harry DeWolf visited five communities in Nunavut. In each of the communities it raised awareness of affiliation, conducted community engagements, held leadership discussions with senior Hamlet Administration Officers and Elders, and conducted ship tours.

Back to top

Victoria-Class Modernization Project

  • National Defence is committed to ensuring that our submarines can defend North American waters and will enable Canada to project strength abroad.
  • Victoria-class submarines are among Canada’s most strategic assets for conducting surveillance of Canadian, international, and near-Arctic waters.
  • That is why National Defence is committed to modernizing its fleet, to ensure continued operations into the 2030s.
  • This work will improve submarine living and deployment conditions, and will ensure survivability against future threats.
  • This maintenance and modernization project will also support jobs across Canadian shipyards, and through the supply chain.
  • This will include the supply chains for equipment, providing opportunities for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses.
  • We look forward to starting the modernization of our fleet in the 2023 timeframe.

If pressed on Victoria-class replacement:

  • National Defence is establishing a Canadian Patrol Submarine Project to inform timely government decision-making about a potential replacement class of submarine, and to avoid any gap in submarine capability.

Key Facts

  • Budget: Up to $1.0B
  • Timelines:
    • First modernization starting date: 2023
    • First delivery: 2026
    • Final Delivery: 2033
  • Economic Benefit: This modernization project will benefit Canadian industrial and technological sectors and provide robust economic benefits for Canada.
    • Maintenance and modernization projects will support jobs across Canada both at the shipyards and through the supply chain.

Details

  • Canadian submarines deliver a world-class, force-multiplying deterrent effect as well as an unmatched sovereign defence and security capability.
  • These submarines are capable of covertly monitoring evolving situations at home and abroad.
    • At home, submarines provide critical, sovereign force protection capacity for our sea-based forces when required.
    • Abroad, these submarines can conduct “indications and warnings” and vital joint-targeting information, weapon delivery, or Special Operations Force insertion.
  • The decision to modernize remains the most effective means of ensuring continued submarine operations for the Royal Canadian Navy into the 2030s.
  • The Victoria-class Modernization project will focus primarily on enhancing three distinct capabilities:
    • Habitability – to improve habitability and deployment conditions onboard Victoria-class submarines;
    • Joint Force Capability – position the Victoria-class submarines to contribute meaningfully to joint operations ashore; and,
    • Survivability – to ensure the survivability of the Victoria-class submarines against an evolving complex threat in an ever-changing battle space.
  • GBA+:
    • New equipment will enhance accessibility for crew members, including improvements in both privacy and functionality of:
      • Sleeping areas;
      • Wash places (including gender-neutral washrooms); and,
      • Dining/social areas.

Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP)

  • A modern fighter aircraft fleet is vital to protecting North American airspace and supporting our defence and security efforts at home and abroad.
  • That is why this Government launched an open and transparent competition to acquire 88 new, advanced fighter aircraft.
  • We are currently in the finalization phase with the top-ranked bidder, the United States Government and Lockheed Martin, for the F-35 fighter jet.
  • The bidder must now demonstrate that any contract will meet our criteria such as value for money, protection against risks, and delivery assurances.
  • To prepare for the arrival of these aircraft, we have already taken steps to prepare for construction of some of the new fleet’s facilities in Bagotville and Cold Lake.
  • Construction of these Fighter Squadron facilities will generate over 900 jobs.
  • We are confident this procurement process will deliver the best results for the Canadian Armed Forces, while providing economic benefits for Canada.

Key Facts

  • Project Budget: $19B in funding as established in Strong, Secure, Engaged
  • Aircraft Delivery: The delivery schedule and follow-on milestones will be determined in consultation with the bidder as part of the finalization process.
  • Fighter Squadron Facilities:
    • National Defence has awarded two contracts to undertake infrastructure upgrades.
    • This infrastructure will support the long-term maintenance and operation of these new aircraft.
  • GBA+: Bagotville and Cold Lake Fighter Squadron Facilities are planned to have:
    • Gender-inclusive washrooms and barrier free facilities;
    • Cultural rooms to accommodate diverse backgrounds and faiths; and,
    • Lactation and nursing rooms.
  • Economic Benefits: Eligible Suppliers were required to submit economic benefits proposals outlining planned investments in Canadian industry.
  • Indigenous Relations: The infrastructure design-builders in Bagotville and Cold Lake will prepare benefit plans to support Indigenous procurement objectives.

Details

  • Project Details:
    • The objective of the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) is to successfully acquire and transition into service 88 advanced fighter aircraft along with the associated equipment, weapons, infrastructure, information technology, and sustainment, including training and software support. This project will leverage Canadian capabilities and support the growth of Canada’s aerospace and defence industries.
    • The process, led by Public Service and Procurement Canada, is overseen by an independent fairness monitor.
  • Project Timelines:
    • December 2017: The Government of Canada launched an open and transparent competition for the permanent replacement of Canada’s fighter aircraft fleet.
    • February 2018: The Government announced five eligible government- led Supplier teams, including, Dassault (France), SAAB (Sweden), Airbus (United Kingdom), Boeing (United States of America), and Lockheed Martin (United States of America).
    • November 2018: Dassault (France) informed Canada of its decision to officially withdraw from the competition.
    • August 2019: Airbus (United Kingdom) informed Canada that it was withdrawing.
    • July 31, 2020: The Government of Canada received bids from eligible suppliers.
    • December 1, 2021: The Government of Canada announced that following evaluation of the proposals submitted, two bidders remained eligible—SAAB (Sweden) and Lockheed Martin (United States of America).
    • March 28, 2022: The Government of Canada announced that it will enter into the finalization phase with the top ranked bidder: the United States Government and Lockheed Martin, for F-35 fighter jets.
  • Procurement Process:
    • Entering into the finalization phase will allow Canada to confirm that all of the requirements and outcomes of the Request for Proposals are met and are appropriately captured in the resulting contractual instruments.
    • If the top ranked bidder is unable to demonstrate, within the required timeframe, how all requirements and outcomes identified in the Request for Proposal will be met, then Canada may reject the proposal and invite the next ranked bidder to participate in the finalization process. When the finalization phase is successfully completed, Canada and the bidder will need to seek final approval of the negotiated instruments, leading to Contract Award.
  • Economic Benefits:
    • Canada has implemented a Value Proposition to motivate generational investments in our aerospace and defence industries over the coming decades, and that drive innovation, exports, and skills development in Canada’s Key Industrial Capabilities including In-Service Support, and Aerospace Systems and Components.
  • Fighter Squadron Facilities:
    • In anticipation of the arrival of the aircraft National Defence is preparing for the construction of some of the new fleet’s facilities in Bagotville (Québec) and Cold Lake (Alberta).This will support long-term maintenance and operation of the aircraft.
    • A $12.1 million design contract for a Fighter Squadron Facility in Bagotville (Québec) was awarded on September 28, 2020.
    • A $9.2 million design contract for a Fighter Squadron Facility in Cold Lake (Alberta) was awarded on August 13, 2020.
    • Construction on both facilities is expected to begin shortly after the awarding of contracts for the Future Fighter aircraft as early as this year.

Back to top

Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)

  • National Defence is committed to supporting the security of the Arctic and enhancing our capabilities in the North.
  • For example, we are working to acquire a new medium altitude, long endurance, and armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft System.
  • This system will provide the strategic surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike capabilities critical for addressing modern security challenges.
  • The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System will be employed in domestic and international operations, and contribute to Canada’s presence in the Arctic.
  • We anticipate contract award by 2024, with delivery of the first system in fiscal years 2025-26 to 2026-27.
  • We are also finalizing the associated infrastructure to ensure this system will create jobs for Canadians and benefit our economy.
  • Additionally, suppliers will be required to submit an Indigenous Participation Plan, and commit up to 5% of the contract value to support Indigenous participation.

If pressed on the precision strike capabilities:

  • Employment of precision strike capability will adhere to the Law of Armed Conflict, as well as any other applicable domestic or international laws.

Key Facts

  • Project Budget: Expected project cost between $1B and $5B
  • Current Competition Status: Two suppliers qualified for the competition:
    • United States Government and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc; and,
    • L3 Technologies MAS Inc. (L3 Technologies MAS Inc. subsequently withdrew from the competition in May 2022).
  • Economic Benefits: Qualified suppliers are required to outline planned investments in Canadian industry and economic benefits to Canada.
  • GBA+: RPAS facilities will include, in compliance with Directives:
    • Gender neutral bathrooms;
    • Nursing rooms;
    • Cultural rooms for prayer; and,
    • RPAS equipment will be designed to accommodate all genders.

Details

  • Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems:
    • These systems are not autonomous. They are piloted by qualified pilots who control and monitor the aircraft from ground control stations. The systems will complement existing intelligence and surveillance capabilities, and increase maritime and Arctic domain awareness.
  • Project Details:
    • This project will acquire a medium altitude and armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft System along with associated equipment, weapons, infrastructure, and in-service sustainment capability that will support up to three concurrent lines of tasking, domestic or international.
    • The Systems will be commanded and controlled in a manner similar to other capabilities, such as fighter aircraft. Qualified and authorized Canadian Armed Forces members will always be responsible for employing these systems.
  • Project Timelines:
    • Draft Request for Proposal issued: November 2020
    • Final Request for Proposal issued: 11 February 2022
    • Contract award: fiscal year 2023/24
    • First delivery: fiscal year 2025/26 to 2026/27
    • Initial operational capability: fiscal year 2027/28 to 2029/30
    • Full operational capability: fiscal year 2030/31 to  2032/33
    • Project Close: fiscal year 2033/34 to 2034/35
  • Operating Bases:
    • Aircraft will be stationed at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, and 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia.
    • They will also be operated out of a Forward Operating Location at Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
    • The ground control centre will be located in the National Capital Region.
  • Indigenous Relations:
    • The request for proposal requires that bidders submit an Indigenous Participation Plan, and commit up to 5% of the contract value to support Indigenous participation. Consultation with Indigenous groups will occur to support development of the Indigenous Participation Plans, and for infrastructure design and construction.

Back to top

Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR)

  • National Defence is committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the necessary equipment to serve Canadians.
  • This is why we are procuring 16 new Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue aircraft, to enable more effective missions in all weather conditions.
  • We have already welcomed 13 of these aircraft, and anticipate the initial operational capability of the new fleet in 2025-2026.
  • Through this project, one hundred percent of the contract will be reinvested into the Canadian economy, sustaining highly skilled jobs across Canada.
  • We will continue to advance this project, despite the unforeseen delays, and welcome the many jobs and investments it generates for the Canadian economy.
  • To ensure life-saving search and rescue services continue uninterrupted, existing fleets are being used until the transition to the new aircraft is complete.

If pressed on delivery delays:

  • We are currently addressing unforeseen issues associated with capability design and development, technical capabilities, and COVID-19 impacts.
  • We will continue to work in collaboration with Airbus to ensure that issues are addressed, and the best value is provided to Canadians.

Key Facts

  • Project Budget: $2.9B and up to $5.4B (including taxes).
  • Economic Benefit: As part of the Request for Proposal, Airbus is required to reinvest 100% of the contract value into the Canadian economy.
  • GBA+: The Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Training Facility in Comox will include:
    • Gender neutral washrooms that accommodate those with disabilities;
    • Nursing rooms;
    • Cultural rooms for prayer; and,
    • All equipment has been designed to accommodate all genders.

Details

  • Timeline:
    • Ground and flight testing is currently being conducted in Spain, the United States, and Canada.
    • Initial operational capability had been anticipated for summer 2022, however this timeline has shifted to 2025-2026. This delay is attributed to several factors related to the progress of the aircraft’s certification, technical considerations, and training maturity.
    • March 2019: The first aircraft rolled off the production line.
    • September 17, 2020: The first delivered aircraft arrived at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia.
    • July 6, 2022: The thirteenth and latest aircraft was accepted in Spain.
    • September, 2022: Initial Aircrew Training is scheduled to begin
    • January, 2023: Initial operational testing and evaluation is scheduled to begin.
  • The new aircraft will:
    • Detect, identify, and classify objects and people, in low light and bad weather conditions, using state-of-the-art sensors;
    • Communicate better with other search and rescue systems through modern communication, navigation, and data management tools;
    • Conduct searches across the full range of Canada’s search and rescue areas of responsibility; and,
    • Be available when needed as a result of robust in-service support, including maintenance, engineering, and training support.
  • Indigenous Relations:
    • National Defence is engaged with the K’òmoks First Nation in the construction of the training centre at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia, on K’òmoks First Nation Traditional Territory.

Back to top

Advanced Reconnaissance Plane Purchase

  • National Defence is committed to ensuring our Canadian Armed Forces members have the modern tools required to address 21st century challenges.
  • Advanced reconnaissance equipment is critical for mission success as it provides high quality images and tracking, enhancing our members’ capability.
  • That is why we are procuring three specialized aircraft with integrated advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment.
  • The purpose of the aircraft is to support Canadian Armed Forces operations abroad.
  • The use of the aircraft will be governed by applicable Canadian and international laws, and supported by operational directives.

If pressed on the February 10th  flight in Ottawa:

  • The Canadian Armed Forces conducts training exercises to maintain essential qualifications on airborne reconnaissance related equipment.
  • The training did not involve conducting surveillance or monitoring of the domestic event that was taking place.
  • The training was planned prior to and unrelated to the domestic event taking place.
  • Similar training flights were conducted in July 2021 and November 2019.

Key Facts

  • Project Budget: The approved overall budget for the project is $246.9 million (CAD). This funding includes the acquisition of the aircraft and prime mission equipment, modifications to infrastructure, training, and initial in-service support.
  • Aircraft details: The CE145C aircraft are based on the Beechcraft King Air 350ER turbo prop platform, and have military-grade advanced sensors, secure communications equipment, and a nose extension designed to accommodate a mission sensor.
    • Aircraft will complement the Canadian Armed Forces Intelligence surveillance reconnaissance capabilities.
  • Timeline: Full operational capability of the fleet is anticipated to be in 2024, approximately a year after delivery of aircraft.
  • Location: In February 2021, the Government awarded a contract to modify a pre-existing hangar at 8 Wing Trenton.

Details

  • Contract Awarding Process:
    • This contract was awarded following significant industry engagement and consultation that began in 2013.
    • On April 26, 2019, an agreement was completed with the U.S. government to procure the aircraft and associated mission systems.
    • In December 2020, the Request for Proposal for the in-service support contract closed.
    • On August 25, 2020, L3 Harris was awarded a contract by the US government to integrate the prime missions systems to the three Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft.
    • In April 2021, an in-service support contract for a potential period of
    • 22.5 years, was awarded to Team CERTAS, consisting of General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada, from Ottawa, Ontario, and Voyageur Aviation Corporation, from North Bay, Ontario.
    • The delivery of the fully integrated aircraft will begin in early 2023 and be complete in summer 2023. The CE145C MAISR capability is anticipated to be fully operational approximately a year afterwards.
  • Trenton Wing Upgrade:
    • In February 2021, Canada awarded a contract to modify an existing building at 8 Wing Trenton into suitable hanger space. Construction completion is anticipated in fall 2022.
  • Indigenous Relations:
    • Given the increased security requirements and timelines associated with this project, our procurement authority, Defence Construction Canada, determined there was not enough Indigenous business capacity to tender this project through the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses.

Back to top

Page details

Date modified: