The U.S. Department of War awarded the contract to the Canadian Commercial Corporation, which facilitates government-backed sales by Canadian suppliers to foreign armed forces. The order extends Rheinmetall Canada’s established work providing aircraft ground-support equipment to the US military and its allies.
The contract covers spare parts for two central components of the MSU-200NAV: its turbine starter and Full Authority Digital Engine Control system. The starter initiates turbine operation, while the FADEC controls power output, operating sequences and safety.
The U.S. Navy uses the MSU-200NAV to start aircraft engines at land bases and aboard ships. Its turbine-based design is intended to support reliable operation, straightforward maintenance and long-term availability across a range of climatic conditions.
The unit’s compact dimensions and low weight allow it to be transported by air to forward operating bases. This provides military operators with a mobile aircraft-support capability for deployments where permanent ground infrastructure may be limited.
Rheinmetall Canada develops, modernises and maintains its mobile air-start units at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Quebec. The work performed there supports the continued availability of the equipment throughout its service life.
The Canadian Commercial Corporation’s role allows the U.S. armed forces to procure the equipment through a Canadian government contracting mechanism. Rheinmetall said the programme would also support domestic industrial activity in specialised aircraft ground-support technologies.
