The federal government has announced an investment of $287 million to go towards the Long Range Surveillance Systems project at General Dynamics Land Systems.
Minister of Public Works and Government Services Diane Finley says the investment will upgrade the systems in 66 Light Armoured Vehicles used by the Canadian Forces.
“These upgraded armoured vehicles will enable our Canadian Armed Forces to work seamlessly with other Canadian and Allied surveillance systems," says Finley.
She says the upgrades will improve the safety of the troops and their ability to detect and engage threats from much greater distances than ever before. The new reconnaissance and surveillance system includes the integration of radar sensors in the LAVs, so that soldiers will no longer have to leave the safety of the vehicle in order to use the radar equipment.
There will also be new infra-red equipment, which will significantly improve night-time and overall daytime vision of the perimeter surrounding the vehicle. Upgrades will also be made to the vehicle's firepower and mobility.
The contract will also sustain 60 full-time jobs at General Dynamics, mainly in the London facility and generate more jobs among sub-contractors.
