OTTAWA — The federal government is planning to spend as much as $477 million to participate in a U.S.-led military satellite program that has been subject to delays and cost overruns over the past decade, Postmedia News has learned.

The Wideband Global Satellite system has been advertised by the U.S. Defense Department as a communications system for "U.S. warfighters, allies and coalition partners during all levels of conflict, short of nuclear war."

The idea is to have as many as nine military satellites hovering over different parts of the world, ready to provide high-frequency bandwidth for U.S. and allied forces wherever they may be operating.

Daniel Blouin, a spokesman for Canada's Department of National Defence, said the Canadian Forces has identified improved communication capabilities as a necessity.

"After Afghanistan and Libya, our efforts in those two countries have proven that the exchange of information between headquarters and deployed elements is critical to modern military operations and their success," Blouin said.

"So, in order to meet that intent while ensuring good value for taxpayer money, we're seeking out an agreement with international allies that will provide Canadian forces with access to an international constellation of satellites."

If Canada does join the Wideband Global Satellite System, or WGS, it will be the latest ally to get onboard the project.

Australia agreed in 2007 to contribute more than $800 million U.S. to pay for the sixth satellite in return for a portion of the system's overall bandwidth. New Zealand, Luxembourg, Denmark and the Netherlands also have expressed interest.

Several weeks ago, cabinet gave Defence Minister Peter MacKay permission to pay up to $477 million to ensure Canadian participation.

Blouin would not say what type of agreement Canada is pursuing as negotiations are still underway. However, he said the $477 million would be paid over a number of years.

"We're not looking for access to military communications for a single year. That's not in our best interests," he said. "We're looking for long-term planning to meet the needs of the Canadian Forces."

The federal government is looking to create a two-satellite system over the Arctic to provide Canada with improved military communication services and aid in defence operations.

Blouin said the Polar Communications and Weather Mission may complement the WGS, which does not cover the High Arctic, but the two systems are separate.

The U.S. military's intention to secure allied participation in the WGS is no secret.

"Our close ally Australia has bought into the system, and the (U.S.) Air Force is in the final phases of developing similar arrangements with several other allies," Gregory Schulte, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy, told a conference in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 4.

"This approach has increased the size and capacity of the constellation. Internationalizing WGS also complicates the calculations of any country contemplating an attack on the system."

The project, however, has not been without its share of problems. In fact, the WGS has been identified alongside the F-35 joint strike fighter over the years as having serious issues.