Thousands of combat net radios and vehicle interface units of the Canadian military are being upgraded by General Dynamics Canada under a three-year contract.

A total of more than 11,000 radios -- purchased in 1991 - and 6, 800 vehicle interface units are covered by the contract, which is worth about $108.5 million.

General Dynamics said the upgrade will allow for simultaneous operation of voice, messaging and positional awareness reporting. The upgrade will also increase the throughput and speed of data transmission.

The upgrade project will consist of replacing the cryptographic and data transmission modules in the radio.

"The enhanced capabilities will maintain the viability of the combat net radio for another decade and allow soldiers to operate on a modern battlefield with safety and awareness of what is going on around them," said David Ibbetson, vice president, General Dynamics C4 Systems International.

Working with General Dynamics on the software and hardware radio enhancements are Rockwell Collins Canada and SigmaPoint Technologies. Canadian firm SED will work on modernizing the vehicle interface units.

Delivery of the upgraded units is expected to begin next year.