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There will also be challenges integrating existing sensors with the new gear, as well as having the new equipment connect up with communications equipment in vehicles, it added. There could also be issues around the communications link between equipment using classified information and those that operate without that level of secrecy, DND warned.

Ashley Lemire, a spokeswoman for the Department of National Defence, said in an email that two contracts are now in place for ISSP: one to acquire equipment and the other to support that gear.

“The scope of the contracts include obsolescence management, which involves early identification of technology and products that are becoming obsolete and developing solutions to replace the obsolete technology,” she said. “Costs related to the introduction and integration of new technology have been forecasted for the project and in-service support phases of the equipment.”

The email did not say how much extra has been built in to the project to deal with the potential technology issues.

Officials with the Ottawa-based General Dynamics Mission Systems Canada have argued against the DND strategy to purchase such equipment based on military radio technology.

Instead, they have pitched using smartphone technology for the battlefield.

Rick Fawcett, director of business development for General Dynamics Mission Systems Canada, said such civilian-based gear, modified for military use, would allow the Canadian Forces to keep up to date with changing technology.