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Worldwide Satellite Communications - Wideband
(Our North, Strong and Free)

Project Type

Project New/Replace

Objective

FWB is a replacement of the Mercury Global (MG) capability and its purpose is to provide the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with High Data Rate (HDR) continued, guaranteed access to wideband satellite communications worldwide.

Requirements

This project provides a new sovereign satellite constellation consisting of four satellites and one on-orbit spare, and associated ground stations, to augment and replace the legacy USA’s Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) space segment. Project scope includes two segments; the Space segment, and Ground Station (or Anchor station) segment. The Terminal segment, consisting of end-user communications hardware, is not included this project’s cost estimate. Furthermore, it is assumed that infrastructure to house ground segment components already exists. Finally, for costing purposes, it was assumed that three ground stations would be required.

Funding Range

$250 million to $499 million

Anticipated Timeline (Fiscal Year)

Start Options Analysis
2026/2027
Start Definition
2030/2031
Start Implementation
2030/2031
Initial Delivery
2033/2034
Final Delivery
2035/2036

Defence Capability Areas

Defence Capability Investment Areas

Key Industrial Capabilities

Contact Us

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