General Dynamics Canada is building a network of antenna anchor stations for the Canadian military's access to the Wideband Global Satellite system.

The WGS system is a constellation of communications satellites that provides extra bandwidth for deployed military forces. Canada has signed on for the U.S. and Australian program.

"The sophisticated sensors and information technologies used by modern militaries require access to high-bandwidth communication channels," said David Ibbetson, vice president, General Dynamics C4 Systems International. "We look forward to providing this secure and reliable communication channel and building on our extensive communications experience.

"Providing this critical capability to our Canadian Armed Forces helps ensure mission success and the safe return home of our troops."

General Dynamics Canada said its work for Canada's Mercury Global project comes under two contracts. The first, worth more than $52 million, is for the design and building of seven Mercury Global anchor stations to allow the Department of National Defense to access the satellites for high-speed and secure tactical communications.

The second contract, worth about $7.5 million, is for provision of in-service support for as long as 17 years. Support work will include 24/7 system monitoring, provision of field service representatives, repair and overhaul, and engineering support.