MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA” or the “Company”) (TSX:MDA), a global communications and information company, today announced it has signed a contract with ViaSat Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAT), a global broadband services and technology company. The contract is for MDA to establish a repair, maintenance and upgrade service facility for ViaSat’s Link 16 military communication terminals. The Link 16 terminals are currently deployed across Canada supporting the Canadian Department of National Defence. Repairs and upgrades are necessary to maintain the efficiency of the current equipment and to provide greater flexibility, enhanced technological capabilities, and improved reliability.
MDA is uniquely-positioned to provide maximum long-term industrial and technological benefit to Canada with this service. With its long-term commitment to developing comprehensive Canadian capabilities, MDA will leverage its existing facilities across Canada to perform this operational support resulting in a decreased maintenance time, and reduced cost to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The repair and maintenance service will grow into an intermediate maintenance facility (I-Level), as additional terminals and radios are deployed throughout the CAF.
Norman Hannaford, the general manager responsible for this business said, “As one of the largest Canadian-based aerospace and defence companies, MDA has extensive experience delivering large complex programs including in-service support to the Canadian government and we look forward to expanding our capabilities in this area in support of ViaSat.”
ViaSat’s Ken Peterman, senior vice president and general manager, Government Systems Division added, “We look forward to working with MDA to establish a Canadian repair and maintenance facility, especially as our Link 16 radios—from MIDS-LVT, Small Tactical Terminals, MIDS JTRS, and other Next Generation products—become increasingly deployed throughout the region. The new facility will provide an in-country resource, which we expect will shorten repair and upgrade cycles as well as reduce overall maintenance costs to the customer.”
About MDA
MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.
MDA’s business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.
MDA’s established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 13 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
The Company’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “MDA.”
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