The company is providing 11 state-of-the-art WESCAM MX-20D EO/IR sensor systems to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) for Canada’s fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Delivery of L3Harris’ systems to GA-ASI is scheduled to start in 2024 with the first aircraft delivery to the RCAF expected in 2028.
Canada’s fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS equipped with L3Harris’ WESCAM MX-20D will provide a significant advancement in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across Canada’s vast and harsh territorial landscape and environments, including the arctic.
“L3Harris has a longstanding relationship with General Atomics and welcomes new opportunities to integrate our world-class technologies on a leading remotely piloted aircraft,” said Kristin Houston, President, Electro Optical, L3Harris. “Our EO/IR systems once again prove to be the ultimate solution for the world’s most advanced and capable platforms, including SkyGuardian. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to Canada’s national security.”
The delivery marks the beginning of a strong new partnership between L3Harris, GA-ASI and Canada to provide fully qualified RPAS with field proven reliability and serviceability in support of NORAD, UN, NATO and other allied operations. The partnership supports initiatives under Canada’s ‘Strong, Secure, Engaged’ Defence policy, which calls for major investments into RPAS with ISR capabilities.
“GA-ASI is pleased to continue our close relationship with L3Harris, a proven and trusted partner on Team SkyGuardian (TSG), to deliver Canada’s critical RPAS capability. We’re proud to equip the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® with a cost effective and fully compliant EO/IR solution capable of delivering significant technical capabilities to the users. This represents a major investment in Canadian industry providing valuable regional and industrial benefits that will maintain this L3Harris innovative Canadian EO/IR technology as a leader in the global RPAS market” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
Integration of the WESCAM MX-20D on GA-ASI’s MQ-9B demonstrates L3Harris’ ability to meet mission-critical needs and contribute to Canada’s national defence strategy. It also demonstrates the strength of L3Harris’ support across the RCAF’s diverse set of fleets, including the CP-140 Aurora, CH-146 Griffon, CH-147F Chinook, CH-149 Cormorant, and CC-295 Kingfisher.
