The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is giving General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-C) $49.9 million for new technologies including “vehicle-crew protection, electronic architecture, energy-generation, powertrain, cybersecurity and vehicle health management,” according to Ottawa’s grants and contributions database. (The Logic)

Talking point: An earlier version of the disclosure stated that the firm’s $145.4-million project in London, Ont., would help “reduce the GHG emissions caused by diesel engines” in light armoured vehicles (LAVs). On Friday, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) updated it to say that GDLS-C would develop and test an “electric drive vehicle” with “up to 1MW of on-board electrical power generation.” ISED spokesperson Hans Parmar said any emission-reduction commitments in Ottawa’s contract with the firm are “commercially confidential,” but that it will “be required to submit periodic reports” on project benefits. GDLS-C did not answer The Logic’s questions about the award, directing inquiries to ISED. The Liberal government has used SIF to back other companies’ efforts to green their products, including automakers, aerospace firms, and steel producers. But human rights groups have criticized the subsidy to GDLS-C, which sells LAVs to the Saudi Arabian National Guard.