Quebec-based CAE Defense & Security has signed a contract to provide in-service support for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s future MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones.
The agreement stipulates aircraft maintenance, publications management, and IT and cybersecurity support across Canada’s drone operating locations.
It will also deliver training sessions and associated equipment for MQ-9B aircrew and sustainment teams.
The deal has an initial value of 250 million Canadian dollars ($183.27 million) for the first nine years.
“This contract is an excellent example of how Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy can be leveraged through defence procurement to support Canadian businesses,” Canadian Innovation, Science, and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said.
“This represents more than just another demonstration of CAE’s leadership in the defence and aerospace sector; it will also drive Canadian innovation, generate high-value jobs, and bolster economic growth in Canada.”
Supporting the Air Force
The Canadian SkyGuardian support announcement follows Ottawa’s order of 11 MQ-9Bs from General Atomics in 2023.
CAE wrote that the forthcoming fleet will be utilized for domestic and other continental missions under the US-Canadian bilateral cooperation North American Aerospace Defense Command.
The aircraft will also support multi-domain missions for Canada’s defense partners such as NATO and the Five Eyes alliances.
“CAE is dedicated to advancing innovative solutions to support Canada’s defence and the ongoing modernization of the Royal Canadian Air Force,” CAE President and CEO Marc Parent stated.
“Our long-standing collaboration with [General Atomics Aeronautical Systems] delivers best-in-class training technologies, systems, and services to Canada’s Armed Forces with critical devices and support to enable intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance operations.”