Cormorant contract: Search and rescue capabilities to be enhanced with DND funding

Defence Minister Anita Anand announced Thursday morning IMP Aerospace will lead the process to perform mid-life upgrades to the nation’s fleet of CH-149 Cormorant search and rescue helicopters.

Some important business is coming to IMP Aerospace in Nova Scotia.

Defence Minister Anita Anand announced Thursday morning the company will lead the process to perform mid-life upgrades to the nation’s fleet of CH-149 Cormorant search and rescue helicopters.

“What this does is demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that national security and economic prosperity go hand-in-hand,” said Anand.

The agreement is part of the larger $1.1 billion contract awarded to Leonardo U.K. Ltd, Canada last year

The upgrade work is being subcontracted to IMP.

“It’s also important because of the economic contribution -- $79 million annually to Canadian GDP and supporting 650 jobs annually for Canadian companies over 12 years,” Anand said.

In addition to the Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU) project, three additional helicopters will be added to the fleet, bringing the total aircraft to 16.