OTTAWA - The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada for AN/AAQ-24(V) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems and associated equipment in a deal worth $225 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible FMS on August 12.
Canada has requested six LAIRCM systems for its CP-140 maritime patrol aircraft. The sale consists of 22 T-2465 AN/AAQ-24(V) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA), 52 R-2675 AN/AAQ-24(V) Next Generation Missile Approach Warning Sensors (MAWS), and 16 CP-2793 AN/AAQ-24(V) LAIRCM System Processors, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, and other related services and support. Canada already operates the AN/AAQ-24(V) on its C-17 fleet, and will provide enhanced defensive capabilities to the CP-140.
The equipment is part of a broader CP-140 upgrade program. Ideally the Royal Canadian Air Force would have liked to divest the CP-140 fleet and buy a new maritime patrol aircraft, namely the P-8. There simply isn't enough money in the budget to cover such an expenditure, however. Realizing that the CP-140 fleet would have to remain operational for longer than expected, Canada expanded the upgrade program earlier this year to cover an additional four aircraft, for a total of 14. Extending the CP-140 modernization plan is expected to cost around CAD548 million, bringing the total price tag to around CAD2.1 billion.
Source: DSCA
Associated URL:
http://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/mas/canada_14-40.pdf
Author: S. McDougall, North America Analyst
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