In the current global environment, Canada needs a modern, adaptable army that can meet security challenges of today and tomorrow. We are making the necessary investments to provide Canadian Army members with the tools that they need to do their jobs, while ensuring that these investments create jobs and growth for Canadians.
Today, Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, announced a major investment in the Canadian Army. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
The ministers announced that the Government of Canada has awarded 4 contracts, with a combined estimated value of $1.68 billion (including taxes), to General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada. The contracts will provide support for the Land Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (LC4ISR) system.
The Canadian Army requires modern LC4ISR technology to enable commanders to make real-time operational decisions, both at home and abroad. LC4ISR is a fully integrated tactical network composed of computers, sensors, telecommunications equipment, hardware, firmware, and software elements that provides commanders with the information and information services required to make effective and timely Command and Control decisions about their operations and missions.
This technology enables the Canadian Army to:
- plan and direct operations
- manage operational information
- achieve situational awareness
- exchange information
In particular, the LC4ISR capability enables communication, networking and combat information management for subsystems that are part of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) vehicles, platform-based weapon systems and individual integrated soldier system equipment. This capability will help ensure that the CAF can continue to defend Canada and North America, while contributing to the security of Canada's allies and to allied coalitions' operations abroad.
The 4 contracts awarded are:
- System of Systems Engineering and Integration Sustainment Services Contract
- Core Network Sustainment Services Contract
- Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Sustainment Services Contract
- Applications Sustainment Services Contract
Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy applies to the LC4ISR project, which will ensure that General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada will provide meaningful business activities and targeted investments to support the Canadian defence sector.
Together, these contracts have the potential to create and maintain nearly 2,400 highly skilled jobs annually in Ottawa, in Calgary and across the country, and to contribute close to $260 million annually to gross domestic product, further contributing to the growth and competitiveness of Canada's defence industry.
