Ottawa outlines need for fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft, UAV acquisitions and strike weapons in policy overhaul
Canada's Department of National Defence plans to modernise its fixed- and rotary-wing transport capabilities, acquire satellite-guided air-to-ground weapons and procure more unmanned air vehicles in its first complete overhaul of defence policy since 1994. The move follows February's announcement of almost C$13 billion ($10.6 billion) in new defence spending over five years.
Unveiled late last month, the 2005 Defence Policy Statement also revives a requirement omitted from February's defence budget for new fixed-wing search and rescue (SAR) aircraft to replace the Canadian force's six de Havilland Canada CC-115 Buffalo and some of its 32 Lockheed Martin CC-130 Hercules transports. Although the statement sets no timetable, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Rick Hillier says he wants as many of the goals as possible to be met within five years.
The review says the air force will "acquire, or ensure access to" a mix of domestic, global and in-theatre airlift capabilities, as well as procuring medium-to-heavylift helicopters. For fixed-wing transport "we can either lease the capability, or buy, or use some combination of the two", says the air force's Lt Col John Blakeley.
An expected tender to replace Canada's current SAR fleet failed to materialise last October, with the C$1.3 billion required to launch the programme – a likely contest between the Alenia/L-3/Lockheed C-27J Spartan and EADS Casa's C-295 – having been withdrawn. But Blakeley says: "We hope to have a statement of requirements approved over the next couple of months," with the new transport to be operational before 2010. Ottawa will also seek a new utility aircraft to replace its four DHC-6 Twin Otters.
Canada will boost the capabilities of its 120 Boeing F-18A/B fighters by adding GPS-guided air-to-ground weapons, while focusing the fighter fleet primarily on the defence of Canada and North America. The country will also acquire new unmanned systems to bolster its Sagem Sperwer tactical UAVs used in Afghanistan, with these to potentially include medium-altitude long-endurance, mini and micro systems.
Some observers criticise the new policy statement for its lack of specifics, and note that Canada is already under financial pressure due to other procurements, such as its C$5 billion Sikorsky H-92 Cyclone helicopter purchase. "Their hands are tied with existing force upkeep," says Richard Aboulafia, vice-president of analysis at the US-based Teal Group.
ANDRZEJ JEZIORSKI/VANCOUVER
Source: Flight International
