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
-
![Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement]()
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.
-
![What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?]()
What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?
Saab’s merger of its Kockums and Naval Combat Systems divisions into a single business area called Naval, effective 1 April 2026, aims to enhance efficiency, innovation and competitive positioning in the naval sector.
-
![Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions]()
Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
-
![Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals]()
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
