CALGARY, Alberta – Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has been awarded a nine-year, $273 million (CAD) services contract by the Government of Canada for the CF-18 Avionics Optimized Weapon System Support program. This contract is for a six-year period plus three additional option years, and will be in effect until the end of the CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft life expectancy in 2020. The announcement was made at the Harris facility in Calgary, on Sunday, October 17, 2010 along with representatives of the Government of Canada.

Under the contract with Harris Canada Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, Harris will provide repair and overhaul; engineering support; program management; life cycle support; and obsolescence and material management services to support the avionics systems on the CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. Harris Canada has been a trusted provider of avionics support to the CF-18 through progressive contracts effectively delivering an OWSS program for more than 11 years, and proving the concept for other military equipment programs.

“This all-inclusive aircraft maintenance OWSS contract showcases Harris’ value proposition as a partner in the Canadian government’s efforts to streamline military procurement and save money for its taxpayers,” stated John Heller, president, Harris IT Services.

This competitively won contract will sustain and create high quality jobs in Calgary and will provide important avionics maintenance for the final years of flights for the CF-18.