L3Harris has signed a deal to provide surveillance and targeting systems for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.
The company will deliver 16 WESCAM MX-20 units to bolster the force’s planes used for critical maritime and overland patrol and reconnaissance missions.
The P-8As will join the command’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones as part of Canada’s WESCAM-fitted fleet.
“Integrating our proven technology with the P-8A equips Canada with the most advanced ISR imaging solution,” said L3Harris Targeting and Sensor Systems Vice President Tom Kirkland.
“Maritime and national security, including missions in the Arctic, require extremely reliable systems like the WESCAM MX-20 to enhance critical security coast-to-coast,” he added.
Delivery dates for the imaging systems have yet to be announced.
Enhancing Surveillance
The WESCAM MX-20 is fitted with electro-optical and infrared cameras capable of real-time enhancement for both day and night modes.
Its long-range imaging features can identify and engage subjects from over 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) away, utilizing large-aperture lenses and high-magnification sensors.
An estimated 8,000 WESCAM MX-series units have been delivered to over 87 countries, including Australia, Chile, and France, which utilizes the MX-20D variant on the navy’s Bréguet 1150 Atlantic maritime patrol aircraft.
