VICTORIA, British Columbia — Upgrades to Canada’s helicopter fleets that would cost more than CAN $2 billion have been identified as key programs for funding, according to the country's defense minister.
Harjit Sajjan said Thursday at a conference in Ottawa that if the Griffon utility helicopter fleet does not receive an upgrade, it will have to be removed from service. In addition, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Cormorant helicopters also require modernization, Sajjan told retired military personnel and defense executives at the event.
The Department of National Defence says the cost of a Griffon helicopter modernization program is estimated at more than CAN $1.5 billion (U.S. $1 billion). The modernization of the Cormorant fleet is estimated to cost between CAN $500 million and CAN $1.5 billion, depending on the extent of the upgrade.
Sajjan was highlighting the two helicopter modernization programs during his televised speech as an example of where funding should be directed once the Liberal Party government’s Defence Policy Review is released.
That review will set the stage for future roles of and equipment purchases by the Canadian military over the next 20 years.
Sajjan did not indicate when the review will be released, other than to say it will be coming soon.
A number of Canadian Army projects were also highlighted by Sajjan as key equipment purchases for the government in the future. "Investments in Ground Based Air and Munitions Defence systems are required to guarantee the safety of our deployed troops," Sajjan noted.
The Ground Based Air and Munition Defence system is meant protect deployed forces from a variety of air threats. The Army says it will likely include an integrated radar feed, a networked command, control and communications system, as well as munitions and launcher systems. That program is estimated to cost up to CAN $500 million.
Another project Sajjan discussed was the acquisition of a fleet of heavy support equipment, such as forklifts, dozers, loaders and excavators. He also pointed out that the Army needs new logistics support vehicles.
Email: dpugliese@defensenews.com
David Pugliese is the Canada correspondent for Defense News.
