Ottawa, Ontario. 30 May 2024 . CAE announced that CAE Defense & Security has been awarded a contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to support the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) acquired by the Government of Canada.
The minimum contract value is $250M for the initial 9 years with additional option years over the total period of performance. Under the terms of the contract, CAE will deliver aircrew and maintenance technician training, supporting training devices and courseware to meet Canada’s RPAS requirements. CAE will also provide experienced maintenance technicians to augment the Royal Canadian Air Force maintenance staff in Canada and deployed.
The agreement includes broader In-Service Support (ISS) capabilities, including aircraft maintenance, IT and cybersecurity at the RPAS operating sites, and publications management. CAE will also leverage comprehensive maintenance and support solutions to support the RPAS capability across multiple domains.
“CAE is dedicated to advancing innovative solutions to support Canada’s defence and the ongoing modernization of the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Marc Parent, CAE’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our long-standing collaboration with GA-ASI 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 (ISR) operations.”
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is interoperable with Canada’s domestic missions and its continental defence missions through NORAD, as well as with Canada’s closest allies – including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO – for seamless integration with current and future Canadian defence, civil air, and ground assets.
“GA-ASI is pleased to expand its work with CAE, who has been a proven and trusted partner for many years, including as a member of Team SkyGuardian (TSG) Canada,” said GA-ASI President, David R. Alexander. “We’ve enjoyed a long-standing industry partnership with the SkyGuardian and Predator Mission Trainers, which have become important training tools for preparing RPAS crews. Together, we will ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are well equipped for their RPAS Program.”
As a member of Team SkyGuardian Canada, CAE is part of the coalition of leading Canadian businesses working with GA-ASI on MQ-9B development, delivery, and sustainment. Canada’s investments in the RPAS Project are a direct reflection of Canada’s vested domestic interest in pursuing leading-edge RPAS technologies.
“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. 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,” said The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
The Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy and Value Proposition applied to the RPAS contract, requires investments in Canada equal to the contract value. As part of its RPAS contract award GA-ASI committed to providing investments to Canadian industry to support the growth of the aerospace and defence sectors.
