The newly established Defence Investment Agency of the federal government has unveiled the initial eight projects it will oversee. These significant military acquisitions encompass Canada’s upcoming submarine fleet, Arctic over-the-horizon radar system, and a fleet of surveillance aircraft for early warning and control purposes. Additionally, the agency will manage projects involving in-service support, software upgrades for the CC-130J Hercules transport aircraft, and satellite communications acquisitions, excluding land vehicles and fighter jets for now.
Former banker Doug Guzman is leading the agency, mandated to handle projects exceeding $100 million in value. The disclosure of these projects by the Liberal government was prompted by a research request from Conservative MP Scott Anderson, requiring the information to be presented in documents tabled in Parliament last Friday. Prime Minister Mark Carney had promised to establish this new office during the spring election to streamline defense procurement processes and expedite the acquisition of equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces.