January 21, 2004

Ottawa - Senior National Defence Critic for the Official Opposition, Jay Hill, said yesterday's crash of the Canadian Forces' only remaining unmanned spy plane in Afghanistan was an expensive demonstration that the federal government's military procurement policies are a dismal failure.

"When the Liberals put in this rush order, without competition, for four UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] in August, military experts around the world reacted with surprise," recalled Hill. "It seems everyone, except the Canadian government, knew the Sperwer wasn't suitable for use in the heat, dust and elevations in Afghanistan.

"The mission to Kabul was announced in February 2003 yet the government waited seven months to award a 'sole-sourced' contract for untested equipment." Hill added, "Without even bothering to shop around for the best equipment, they blew $33.8-million on a critical reconnaissance tool that won't stay in the air."

Hill said he is relieved that the German military appears willing to lend Canadian Troops their Luna UAVs, which have a better track record of success and durability in Afghanistan. "The UAVs are a critical tool required to enhance the safety of our military personnel patrolling very dangerous territory around Kabul.

"It was obvious when the first one crashed in November, that the Sperwer isn't up to the job. Paul Martin repeatedly insists he'll provide our military with the best equipment possible. It's time for him to make good on that promise and stop sending troops into action with equipment that falls out of the sky," concluded Hill.

-30-