Two British defence services companies have joined a consortium bidding for Canada’s programme to modernise its air weapons ranges, alongside two Indigenous enterprises and a Canadian engineering firm, according to QinetiQ.
Team StrīQ brings together QinetiQ Group Canada, Serco Canada, Des Nedhe Group Defence, Cold Lake First Nations Defence and Arcfield Canada to pursue the Range Advancement Generation Next and Airspace Revitalization programme, known as Ragnar.
The work would expand the military training ranges at Cold Lake and Bagotville and build expertise at Goose Bay, connecting live aircraft, synthetic systems, threat environments, telemetry, secure networks and training centres into one system.
Corrie Dale, managing director of QinetiQ Canada, said: “Ensuring Canada’s next-generation aircraft and systems are matched by a next-generation training environment is the principal driver behind Team StrīQ’s proposal. QinetiQ has a long-term partnering agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence to ensure mission-critical capability is safe, interoperable and operationally ready. We look forward to bringing state-of-the-art expertise developed over many years to support Canada’s ambitions.”
Natasha McLean, managing director of Serco Canada, said: “We’re excited to be part of Team StriQ and build on our 30-year partnership with Canada’s Armed Forces. Our proven expertise in next-generation live and virtual training can ensure the Royal Canadian Air Force can test, train and exploit operational capabilities today and for years to come, all while boosting Canada’s defence industry and economy.”
The Cold Lake Air Weapons Range sits within Cold Lake First Nations traditional lands, and Chief Kelsey Jacko said the community is committed to supporting its protection while helping advance the programme, bringing Indigenous-led business solutions and regional knowledge to the team.
Grant Oliver, president of DNG Defence, said: “Ragnar is one of the most important defence investments Saskatchewan and Alberta will see in a generation. DNG Defence and Cold Lake First Nations are committed to making sure it builds lasting Indigenous businesses, careers and prosperity across western Canada, while giving the RCAF the world-class training range it needs to better protect our borders and support our allies.”
Luc Sabourin, vice president at Arcfield Canada, said the company’s platform agnostic capabilities would help sustain advanced systems and support long-term readiness.
The team is supported by D-TA Systems, Inzpire, the University of Alberta, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Raymond EMC, and says its approach remains subject to Canadian government acquisition decisions and procurement processes.
The Long Term Partnering Agreement cited by Ms Dale is the arrangement under which QinetiQ runs much of the test and evaluation estate for the Ministry of Defence. Inzpire, among the supporting companies, is another British training specialist.
