ASW and SAR programmes will escape Canada's defence cuts

CANADA IS TO reduce defence spending by 14% over the next three years, but several major procurement programmes, including that for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search-and-rescue (SAR) helicopters, will continues as planned.

The cuts are to be achieved by base closures, with the country's naval, air force and army command headquarters being consolidated in Ottawa.

The additional funding reductions are not expected to result in a further cut in force levels, set at 60,000 in the December 1994 Defence White Paper.

Although the ASW/SAR helicopter programme for up to 50 helicopters remains funded, the programme still requires approval by the Canadian Cabinet.

Westland and Agusta intend to bid again with the EH101 for the ASW/SAR requirement. Competitors are likely to include Eurocopter and Sikorsky.

Source: Flight International