Canada Raises RFP For To Replace Aging Buffalo SAR Planes

Canada has raised a request for proposal to procure a fleet of new sensor-equipped search and rescue (SAR) planes to replace its aging Buffalo fleet, CBCNews reported Tuesday.

The proposal includes aircraft, avionics and sensor systems, as well as long-term maintenance and support.

"The Department of National Defence (DND) intends to procure a fleet of new sensor-equipped aircraft, including long-term In-service Support (ISS) for a period up to 20 years, in order to provide an effective response to SAR incidents anywhere in the Canadian area of responsibility," the government documents read.

The Buffalo is not the only search and rescue plane in use by the military. The air force also employs the older H-model variant of the C-130 Hercules cargo planes outfitted for search efforts. The new proposal seeks to find an aircraft to replace both aircraft.