L-3 WESCAM receives $75 million in SADI assistance for camera and sensor technology

Burlington ON-based L-3 WESCAM has received a $75-million repayable federal loan to boost the technological capabilities of its air, land and sea surveillance cameras and sensors. The loan from the Strategic Aerospace Defence Initiative (SADI) will be augmented with $2 million from WESCAM to help train students from universities and colleges.

WESCAM is Canada's largest manufacturer for electro-optic/infrared airborne imaging and sensors with applications in the defence, surveillance and search and rescue industries. Its airborne heat sensor was used to successfully track a gunman in New Brunswick who ambushed and killed three RCMP officers and its aerial systems have been used by Canadian military personnel in Afghanistan. Other applications include interception of drug traffickers along the Canada-US border and detection of marijuana grow-ops.

The latest WESCAM R&D project will engage 60 Ontario-based suppliers as well as several post-secondary institutions.

The government estimates that the project will "leverage an additional $113-million investment in Canada's economy from WESCAM".

In addition to its Burlington headquarters, the company has facilities in Don Mills ON and Hanover MD.

R$