Canada Ups Arctic Military Gear
Canada plans to spend billions of dollars on new patrol ships, polar satellites, transport upgrade, and winter gear for its troops amid rising demands for the Arctic’s riches.
Both the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force are set to receive some major equipment upgrades to help maintain the nation’s resource-rich northern regions.
Prime Minister Harper insists that the area’s stockpiles of oil, natural gas, and minerals are critical to the Canadian economy.
US-based Defense News reported that on top of the shopping list are five new patrol ships for the Royal Canadian Navy, which will be outfitted with Lockheed Martin avionics at a cost of CAN $3.5 billion ($3.4 billion), as well as up to $50 million in technical upgrades for the Air Force’s CC-138 transport aircraft.
Additionally, five ships will be constructed by Irving Shipbuilding of Canada, while Lockheed Martin will build and install on-board combat systems.
The Canadian military also plans to augment its communication with the Arctic through construction of two polar communications and weather satellites, estimated to cost $1.5 billion.
The budget also allots $49 million for new snow gear to outfit soldiers in the Canadian Army. Snowshoes, skis, and toboggans will all be purchased, with deliveries expected in 2021.
The Army will also spend between $100 million and $249 million on 100 all-terrain vehicles. While this purchase isn’t scheduled until long after 2021, they will replace BV-206s which are already over 25 years old.
