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Another $2.6 billion in equipment funding – not yet earmarked for specific gear – will also be withheld until 2021 or beyond.

It is unclear how some of the programs, such as the Cyclone maritime helicopters which are now being delivered, might be affected by the temporary removal of funding from their budgets. In addition, construction has already begun on the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships, with the first ship to be in the water by 2018.

Defence sources have suggested that the government could account for the $3.7 billion by delaying or cutting back on buying spare parts or other equipment for the ongoing projects, or delaying the arrival of some of the equipment.

Defence analyst Martin Shadwick said he was surprised that active programs were being targeted in the budget process. He noted that the Cyclones are supposed to be replacing the air force’s aging Sea King helicopters, a contract originally signed under Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin in 2004. “One possibility is that the Sea Kings will have to keep flying longer,” said Shadwick, who teaches strategic studies at York University in Toronto. “Or maybe systems that were supposed to be added to the aircraft won’t be.”

In some cases, the equipment projects are relatively new. In late July the Conservative government announced that it had awarded an initial contract to Quebec-based Rheinmetall Canada Inc. to provide gear for the integrated soldier system project. That project aims to outfit soldiers with improved communications and computer equipment that can be worn on the battlefield.