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As the Prime Minister is expected to ask to expand Canada’s military involvement in Iraq today the federal government announced a $75 million investment in surveillance and targeting technology that will support Canada’s defence, but the Industry Minister is downplaying any connection.
Industry Minister James Moore says the $75 million loan over 5 years the feds are giving L-3 Wescam isn’t related to extending or expanding Canada’s mission against ISIS but did says decisions on military involvement depend on what technologies are available. “This in the future, whether in the contemporary debate on Iraq or not, would certainly feed into the conversation of whether or not we’re sure men and women in Canadian forces have the best equipment possible in the environment that they’re serving.”
Burlington based Wescam’s cameras have played a significant role in Canada’s missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. President John Dehne says along with a $113 million investment by the company, the federal loan will help Wescam build faster, stay competitive and create jobs. “20 years ago Wescam was probably 14th in the world in airborn turrets and today we’re tied for first. The difference is all the innovation in the meantime.”
In addition to cameras, L-3 Wescam’s product line includes sensors for surveillance and targeting of laser guided munitions across air, land and sea. The company’s technology is used by the military, homeland security and law enforcement agencies in Canada and around the world including the US army.
