Finmeccanica’s DRS Technologies was awarded a $100 million contract to provide mast mounted long-range surveillance suites to the Canadian Army’s Light Armored Vehicle (LAV)–Reconnaissance Surveillance System (LRSS) Project, the company said on Friday.

The producer of the LAV 6.0, General Dynamics [GD], awarded DRS the eight-year, firm fixed-fee contract to produce and provide the surveillance suites, accompanying operator control stations, and program engineering and service support.

Canadian Forces Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) III. Photo: Canadian Army.
Canadian Forces Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) III. Photo: Canadian Army.

DRS updated its Surveillance and Battlefield Reconnaissance Equipment (SABRE) system for the program. SABRE is a modular sensor suite that integrates radar, thermal imaging, and laser systems on a stabilized mast that is compatible with any kind of battle command network, the company said.

DRS highlighted that SABRE delivers scouts, forward observers, and tactical air controllers with the ability to perform reconnaissance and targeting at extended ranges. It also shares targeting data from multiple sensors across battle command networks.

SABRE was fielded by the Australian Army in 2013.

“We are proud to have this opportunity to expand on our already strong relationship with General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada and to bring this world-class capability to the Canadian Army,” Joseph Matteoni, vice president/general manager of DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc., said in a statement.

DRS partnered with Thales-Canada to develop the LRSS system. Thales is the prime contractor of the Canadian Army’s tactical battle management system.