CASR

Canadian
American
Strategic
Review

Canadian Forces Procurement – US FMS Notice – TOW 2B ITAS Components TOW 2B  Improved Target Acquisition System Components US Foreign Military Sale Notice — Proposed Sale to Canada The Canadian Forces uses TOW 2B anti-tank missiles on tripods and vehicle mounts. ITAS, the Improved Target Acquisition System, was first purchased for TOW tripod mounts. ITAS – and an improved Fire Control System – were selected as an upgrade for TUA (TOW-Under- Armour ).  These TUA turrets were being refurbished for transfer to a new vehicle. The turrets (a Kvaerner design built in Canada) were to be moved from the tracked M113 to wheeled LAV III as LAV TUA. Incorporating ITAS and an improved FCS gave LAV TUA a greater detection range, zoom, and improved tracking of targets. LAV TUA break-in testing began in April 2006 with Lord Strathcona's Horse (RC). To satisfy United States law,  the US  Department of  Defense's  Defense Security Cooperation Agency must notify the US Congress of potential exports of any US- made or controlled military equipment through Foreign Military Sales. If approved by Congress, DoD or manufacturer(s) will receive permission to export  to Canada. The text of  the FMS notice (as published by the US DSCA)  is reproduced below: ______________________________________________   Defense Security Cooperation Agency   NEWS RELEASE   On the web: http://www.dsca.mil   Media/Public Contact: (703) 601-3670   Date: 4 October 2001 ______________________________________________ Transmittal No. 02-31 CANADA – Sale of  TOW 2B Anti-Tank Missile Target Acquisition System On 4 October [2001], the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of  a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada of TOW 2B anti- tank missile  target acquisition systems,  associated weapons and equipment, and technical and logistical support. The Government of Canada  has requested a possible sale  for the components of the TOW  Improved Target Acquisition System  (ITAS):  75 TOW Target Acquis- ition Systems, 75 Fire Control Systems, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data,  personnel  training and  equipment,  U.S. Govern- ment and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, a Quality Assu- rance Team, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is [US] $43 million. This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and  national security ob- jectives of  the United States by improving the military capabilities of Canada and further weapon system standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces. Canada will use these ITAS components on their [LAV III-based LAV TUA] Light Armored Vehicles. The system will  greatly enhance the coalition efforts within the region.  Canada,  which already  has ITAS  in its inventory,  will  have no difficulty absorbing these additional components. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be of Raytheon Corporation of McKinney, Texas. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of a U.S. Govern- ment Quality Assurance Team  to Canada  for a week  to assist in the delivery and deployment of  the missiles.  Four contractor representatives  will  be required  for two years to perform maintenance services. There will  be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of  this pro- posed sale.