Lockheed Martin Canada awards contract to MBDA for Sea Ceptor weapon

Lockheed Martin Canada has awarded a contract to MBDA to install Sea Ceptor air defence weapon system on the Royal Canadian Navy’s new Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC).

Sea Ceptor will utilise the Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) as its effector to undertake the Close-In Air Defence System (CIADS) role on-board the new CSC frigates.

Capable of providing self-defence performance, Sea Ceptor has a rapid response time besides a high rate of fire to combat several simultaneous threats.

Its Soft Vertical Launch (SVL) technology allows a complete coverage with close range performance that is usually associated with trainable launcher systems.

As part of a multi-tier air defence capability, Sea Ceptor will be integrated with Lockheed Martin Canada’s Combat Management System 330 (CMS 330).

Lockheed Martin’s Extensible Launcher System (ExLS) will come quad packed with CAMM missiles. ExLS is part of the Mk41 family of vertical launcher systems.

MBDA stated that its role on CSC is expected to lead to a positive impact on the Canadian defence industry and its supply chain through the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy.

This contract will see the firm bring research and expertise in Canada across a range of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and advanced materials.

Sea Ceptor and CMS330 provides air defence capabilities to the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Chilean Navy.

MBDA CEO Éric Béranger said: “We are delighted to be awarded this contract, and to play a part in contributing to such an important programme to Canada. Sea Ceptor delivers next generation technology that will help protect the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy as they carry out their missions around the world on-board the advanced new CSC frigates.”