Defence analysts and retired generals have pointed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine as evidence of the need for such equipment.
The Canadian military has started the process to purchase a new high-tech system worth up to $1 billion to shoot down enemy aircraft, missiles and drones. A Canadian Armed Forces air defence system was used in 2002 in Alberta to protect the G8 summit. PHOTO BY SGT RICK RUTHVEN /Canadian Armed ForcesArticle content
The Canadian military has started the process to purchase a new high-tech system worth up to $1 billion that will be capable of shooting down enemy aircraft, missiles and drones.
Government procurement specialists will request ideas from industry sometime this year as the Canadian Army works out the specifics of what it wants in such a system.
Defence analysts and retired generals have pointed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine as evidence of the need for such equipment.
The Liberal government originally outlined the proposed purchase in its 2018 defence capability plan. At that point, the government stated such a ground-based air defence system would cost between $250 million and $499 million.
But, even before the procurement process has begun in earnest, that price tag has increased. During an April 5 briefing in Ottawa, army officials told defence industry representatives the cost would now be between $500 million and $1 billion.
A contact would be awarded in 2026 and the first systems would be in place a year later, industry officials were told.
“The majority of items to be acquired by this project will be fielded, commercial-off-the-shelf technology,” Department of National Defence spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier explained in an email to this newspaper. “The target threats are rocket, artillery and mortar munitions, air to surface missiles and bombs, and remotely piloted aircraft systems.”
During the April 5 briefing, industry officials were informed the system would also be able to target cruise missiles, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The new system wouldn’t be capable of tackling larger weapons, such as theatre ballistic missiles or intercontinental ballistic missiles.