NR07.017 - March 30, 2007
OTTAWA The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, announced today the contract award for the CF-18 Advanced Multi-Role Infrared Sensor (AMIRS) project. This contract is part of the larger CF-18 modernization project, initiated in 2001, to ensure that Canada has a state-of-the art CF-18 fighter force that remains modern, effective and operationally credible.
"The Advanced Multi-Role Infrared Sensor is a key component of CF-18 modernization and another example of how defence procurement has been streamlined to ensure a competitive, fair, open, and transparent process," said Minster O'Connor. "It also once again reflects this Government's commitment to deliver the best value for Canadian taxpayers while also ensuring that the men and women of the Canadian Forces receive the right equipment and capabilities they need to do the demanding jobs asked of them, and that they have it when they need it."
"We are supporting Canadian troops and promoting Canada's interest by purchasing modern equipment for the Canadian Forces as quickly and as efficiently as possible," said Micheal M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada.
The Advanced Multi-Role Infrared Sensor is a targeting pod that is mounted on the weapons station of the CF-18. It is a state of the art electro-optic and infrared sensor, which includes a laser designator, a laser marker and a tactical data link capability.
"The AMIRS pod will provide the CF-18 with enhanced targeting as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities that make it an invaluable asset for the Canadian Forces' air, land and sea operations," said Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, Chief of the Air Staff. "The modernized, combat-effective, multi-purpose and globally deployable CF-18 fleet will continue to play an important role over the next decade as the Air Force transforms to meet the 21st century security needs of Canada."
The contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin following a competitive procurement process. The total contract value is estimated at $126 million, which includes $101 million for the acquisition of 36 AMIRS pods and $25 million for in-service support through to 2020. Canada will take delivery of the first AMIRS pod in the spring of 2007, with an initial operational capability delivered by April 2008.
The Full Economic Benefits Policy applies to this contract, meaning that Lockheed Martin will generate one dollar of economic activity in Canada for every dollar it receives from the contract.
"This is another example of how the Government of Canada is leveraging defence procurements, not only providing the equipment our Canadian Forces need, but also providing real opportunities for Canadian industry," said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry.
The CF-18 is Canada's multi-purpose, high-performance, twin-engine tactical fighter jet. Its primary roles include air defence, training, close air support and offence counter-air.
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Note to editors: For more information about the CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project, please see the CF-18 Modernization Backgrounder available at: www.forces.gc.ca.
Additional facts about the CF-18 can be found at: http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/equip/cf-18/intro_e.asp.
