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Canada will acquire munitions and equipment for MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems under a possible US$313.4 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress of the possible sale on 15 September.
SkyGuardian aircraft are used to deliver real-time situational awareness through surveillance in day or night missions. It’s expected the equipment will be used for monitoring the northern arctic areas.
The Canadian government has requested to buy munitions including 219 AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles, 18 KMU-572 tail kits for the GBU-38 Joint Direct-Attack Munition and GBU-54 Laser JDAM, 12 Mk82 500-pound general purpose bombs, six Mk82 filled inert bombs, M299 Hellfire launchers and training missiles.
It has also requested to purchase equipment including 12 AN/APY-8 Lynx Synthetic Aperture radars, SAGE 750 and SNC 4500 electronic surveillance measures systems, AN/ARC-210 radios, compact multi-band data link, KY-100M narrowband/wideband terminals, KOR-24A small tactical terminals, KIV-77 cryptographic appliques, DSU-38 precision laser guidance sets, classified publications and technical documentation, munitions support and support equipment.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada, a NATO ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress, and a contributor to military, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world,” the DSCA statement said.
“The proposed sale will improve Canada’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols of its northern arctic territories.
“It will also enable Canada to optimally fulfil its North American Aerospace Defense and NATO missions while increasing interoperability with US and NATO forces.”
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems will be the principal contractor.
