VANCOUVER, March 8, 2017 /CNW/ -  MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") ( TSX:MDA), a global communications and information company, today announced that it has signed three contracts with a total approximate value of CA$2.5 million with Satellite Applications Catapult Ltd. MDA will use imaging capabilities from the RADARSAT-2 satellite to provide information on maritime surveillance and the detection of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated  (IUU) fishing vessels. This information is integrated into other data and shared with government and non-government agencies to monitor fishing activities in remote regions.

MDA's RADARSAT-2 information is ideal for matching satellite radar-based ship detection to vessel tracking services to locate illegal fishing vessels, in order to protect national interests and preserve valuable fish stocks. The information also supports detecting and highlighting suspicious inbound vessels or those transiting territorial waters, for investigation or interdiction. Accurate detection and tracking enables efficient queuing of patrol assets to intercept targets while minimizing valuable resources and fuel usage.

The RADARSAT-2 satellite has global high-resolution surveillance capabilities that include a large collection capacity and high accuracy data acquisition. The satellite acquires data regardless of light or weather conditions, and provides frequent re-visit imaging options. The information provided is ideally suited to markets that require either broad-area monitoring or targeted surveillance, such as maritime surveillance, defence and security, land use management, agriculture, disaster management, and natural resources.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.

MDA's business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA's established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 15 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol " MDA."

Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") with respect to future events and financial performance.  The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of certain contracts.  Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends.  The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts not being terminated.  Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. MDA cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not limited to: risks associated with operating a satellite including in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure of systems to meet performance requirements; and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or compliance with the requisite standards.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com  or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.

Contact

Wendy Keyzer | MDA Media Contact | 1-604-231-2743 | Email Contact

Marissa Poratto | MDA Investor Relations | 1-604-331-2044 | Email Contact

SOURCE MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.