In support of its defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) receive the training they need to do their work and keep Canadians safe.
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, on behalf of the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced a contract amendment for the Contracted Airborne Training Services (CATS) program with Top Aces Inc., headquartered in Montréal, Quebec.
The CATS program provides realistic airborne combat readiness training to CAF pilots and aircrew. During these exercises, the aircraft pilot acts in an aggressor role, allowing CAF personnel to learn and practise defensive tactics to deter an attack. The contract amendment will provide additional combat support training services, including Advanced Aggressor Fighter training with new sophisticated capabilities.
In addition to amending the original contract to provide additional services, the Government of Canada is also exercising an option to extend the contract by 2 years, until 2029. The amendment to the original contract, awarded in 2017 through a competitive procurement process, is valued at an estimated $331 million (plus taxes). This brings the total value of the original contract to $749 million (plus taxes), contributing to the growth and competitiveness of Canada's world-class aerospace and defence sectors.
