Discovery Air Defence Services (DA Defence) has secured a C$480m ($376.6m) contract to deliver contracted airborne training services (CATS) to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
The contract was awarded by Public Services and Procurement Canada through a competitive procurement process.
As part of the deal, the company will provide CATS to pilots and aircrew serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army.
The CATS programme seeks to provide realistic combat readiness training to CAF personnel serving on the sea, land and in the air.
During training, personnel will learn and practise defensive tactics to deter an attack.
Canadian Public Services and Procurement Minister Carla Qualtrough said: “The Government of Canada is committed to supporting our CAF in getting the equipment and services it needs.
“We will continue all efforts to support an agile, responsive and well-equipped military force that can effectively defend Canada.
“This investment will also generate and maintain jobs for Canadians.”
The initial 10-year contract has options to extend until 31 March 2031 and the value of the contract could potentially reach C$1.4bn ($1.09bn).
It is expected to create and maintain close to 600 jobs in Canada.
With eight main operating bases across three continents, DA Defence provides turnkey tactical airborne training around the world.
The company is claimed to operate the world’s largest privately owned fleet of aggressor and combat support aircraft.
