Canada plans new contracts for a radar system and a future soldier equipment communications program, according to a report in Defense News. The announcement came along with the award of two contracts for standard military trucks.
The flurry of contracting activity may be tied into Canadian politics; the ruling Conservative Party is accused of mismanaging military acquisition, and elections are coming in the fall.
Defence Minister Jason Kenney announced that Mack Defense of Allentown, Pennsylvania, has been awarded two contracts totaling $834 million (US $642 million) to provide 1,500 standard military pattern trucks and related equipment for the Canadian Forces.
Public Works Minister Diane Finley, said the next few months will bring the acquisition of a medium-range radar to allow Army units to detect and locate the source of incoming mortar and artillery fire and the announcement of the winning firm for the first phase of the future soldier equipment communications program.
