Canada upgrades CP-140 Aurora with ViaSat system
The Canadian Department of National Defence (CDND) is adding ViaSat VR-12 airborne satellite communication systems to its Lockheed CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft, ViaSat said on 26 February.
The CDND is upgrading its aircraft with ViaSat's in-flight communication systems in cooperation with L-3 Electronic System Services, an L-3 Aviation Products division. The three parties will also work with aircraft integrator IMP Aerospace on this quick reaction capability programme.
According to ViaSat, the first upgraded system was delivered for first flight in less than 90 days from the start of the project, with the rest of the fleet to be integrated with the communication systems and tested shortly.
ViaSat's in-flight communication systems will enable secure and high-speed data streaming via satellite on the company's global network.
John Hoffman, senior director, ISR broadband, ViaSat, said: 'We're able to meet this kind of urgent timeline because of the global reach of our ViaSat network and the maturity and reliability of our VR-12 mobile satellite system.'
Hoffman added: 'We had to make a number of modifications for the Aurora aircraft integration, but to serve this market our team is built for rapid response.'
The new systems will improve the CDND's ability to conduct ISR missions in support of Canadian military operations across the world. Over 600 VR-12 systems have been installed so far and are in operation on government and commercial aircraft.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
-
![Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities]()
Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
