18 Aug 03. The Government of Canada has awarded a contract valued at approximately $30m to Oerlikon Contraves Inc., one of Canada’s leading systems integrators. The contract is for a complete Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system. The UAV system will be used by the Canadian Forces deployed on Operation Athena in Afghanistan. The system will provide a vital surveillance capability which will serve to enhance the security of the Canadian troops. The UAV system will also provide a vital contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) through its real-time observation and reconnaissance capabilities.
Oerlikon’s principal sub-contractor for this contract is the French company, SAGEM. They will deliver a proven, off-the-shelf system based on the SPERWER UAV, currently in operational service with five countries. The complete system will include four air vehicles, two control stations, one launcher and associated spare parts as well as training and support.
“This contract is another major breakthrough for our company as we continue to expand our activities in the defence sector and build on our excellent international partnerships”, said Al Osterwalder, Oerlikon Contraves Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very proud to have been selected by the Canadian Forces for this very important mission and we are totally committed to delivering outstanding products and services to them”, Osterwalder added.