Manned airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

Explore the procurement project for an aircraft to support the Canadian Armed Forces’ domestic and international operations.

The MAISR project provides Canada with an airborne intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR) capability that will enhance the ability of our Canadian Armed Forces to identify potential threats to Canadian security and sovereignty.

The project is being completed through procurements. Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy applies to both procurements.

Through the United States Foreign Military Sales program, the Government of Canada acquired 3 Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft with associated integration of mission systems on April 26, 2019. In August 2020, the US government awarded a contract to L3Harris-Integrated Mission Systems (Greenville, TX) to begin the integration of the prime missions systems into  the aircraft.

As of June 4, 2024, the 3 aircraft have been fully integrated and delivered to the Government of Canada.

On August 31, 2020, following extensive engagement with industry, a Request for Proposal: MAISR—In-Service Support Services was published on CanadaBuys to provide in-service support to maintain the new fleet of aircraft for a potential 22.5 year period.

On May 13, 2021, the Government of Canada announced an 8-year in-service support and maintenance contract to Team CERTAS, consisting of General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada (from Ottawa, Ontario) and Voyageur Aviation Corporation (from North Bay, Ontario). The estimated contract value is $72 million.

Significant industry engagement and consultation has been conducted since 2013, including various Letters of Interest to solicit industry feedback on how to procure the aircraft and sustainment services.

The aircraft and mission equipment with related support were purchased through a government-to-government contractual arrangement with the United States Government. The procurement for the long-term in-service support to maintain the aircraft and associated systems was completed through a competitive process.

• As of date June 4, 2024: All 3 MAISR aircraft have been delivered to Canada. The aircraft will be located at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario
• April 26, 2019: Canada signed a contractual arrangement to purchase the aircraft and associated mission systems through the United States Foreign Military Sales program
• October 2018: The United States government issued a Congressional Notification announcing its intent to sell 3 Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft and associated mission systems to Canada
• April 2018: The Government of Canada submitted a Letter of Request to the United States Government, initiating the Foreign Military Sale process.

• May 13, 2021: Contract was awarded to Team CERTAS, consisting of General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada (Ottawa, Ontario) and Voyageur Aviation Corporation (North Bay, Ontario) for 8 years of in-service support and maintenance
• August 31, 2020: Release of the formal Request for Proposal to potential suppliers
• May 2, 2019: A draft Request for Proposal was released to potential suppliers for their review and feedback. Feedback received was considered when finalizing the formal Request for Proposal
• October 30, 2018: Interested suppliers attended another information session to receive updates from the Government of Canada and visited the base in Trenton, Ontario. Additional one-on-one meetings were also held
• June 4, 2018: An information session for industry regarding the in-service support program was held in Gatineau, Quebec. This included an information session and one-on-one meetings with interested suppliers
• April 12, 2018: A Letter of Interest was released

• Minister Blair announces $850 million investment in Canadian Forces Base Trenton and welcomes new aircraft to the Royal Canadian Air Force fleet
• Government of Canada awards in-service support contract for new manned airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for Canadian Armed Forces