Ottawa-based Allen-Vanguard announced February 5 it won a multi-million dollar contract to supply electronic countermeasure systems to an undisclosed South American customer.
The deal includes EQUINOX NG vehicle-mounted jamming systems and SCORPION 2 manportable units designed to disrupt radio frequencies used by drones and remote-controlled improvised explosive devices. The company did not specify the purchasing nation or exact contract value, citing operational sensitivity.
The technology:
Both systems work by jamming radio signals used to control commercial drones or trigger IEDs. EQUINOX NG mounts to vehicles for convoy protection or static site defence. SCORPION 2 fits in a backpack for dismounted operations.
The systems can be reconfigured to address different threats as commercial drone technology evolves—critical as Allen-Vanguard competes against firms like Raytheon, Rafael, and SRC in a crowded counter-UAS market.
The Ottawa company has supplied electronic warfare systems to NATO forces and peacekeeping missions for two decades, with deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Middle East operations. Its headquarters sits at 2405 St. Laurent Boulevard.
The contract includes training, field service support, and algorithm updates tailored to the customer's operational environment.
Why this matters:
Canadian defence exports remain concentrated in traditional markets—primarily the U.S. and NATO allies. Breaking into South America demonstrates Canadian electronic warfare technology can compete globally against American, Israeli, and European systems.
Commercial drones have created new security challenges. What once required military procurement now costs hundreds of dollars at consumer stores, forcing militaries and security forces to find cost-effective countermeasures. Electronic jamming offers a solution traditional air defence systems can't match economically.
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