Government of Canada invests in air combat training services

DORVAL, QC, Nov. 16, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that our women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) receive the services they need to do their work.

On October 30, following a competitive procurement process, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of National Defence, awarded a $480-million contract for Contracted Airborne Training Services (CATS) to Discovery Air Defence Services Inc. The initial 10-year contract, with options to extend, could secure services until March 31, 2031, and the value of the contract could potentially reach $1.4 billion.

This investment will support CAF personnel serving on the sea, on land and in the air, with the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force. It is an important investment that will contribute to local economic development, help support Canada's world-class aerospace industry, as well as create and maintain approximately 600 jobs for Canadians.

The CATS program provides realistic combat readiness training to pilots and aircrew. During these exercises, the aircraft pilot will act in an aggressor role, allowing CAF personnel to learn and practise defensive tactics to deter an attack.

Quotes

"Our government is committed to supporting our Canadian Armed Forces in getting the equipment and services it needs. We will continue all efforts to support an agile, responsive and well-equipped military force that can effectively defend Canada."

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"The Contracted Airborne Training Services program is important to our Canadian Armed Forces ? a longstanding elite program. The contract award to Discovery Air Defence Services Inc. brings pride to our area, but will also create job security."

Member of Parliament for Dorval/Lachine/LaSalle
Anju Dhillon

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada