Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems has received a sub-contract from Lockheed Martin Canada to serve as the anti-submarine warfare lead for the Canadian Surface Combatant.
The company is part of the Lockheed Martin-led Canada’s Combat Ship Team (CST), which was recently awarded a contract for the design of 15 new Canadian Surface Combatants (CSC). Other companies in the CST include BAE Systems, CAE, L3 Technologies, MDA.
Irving Shipbuilding is the prime contractor and will build all the 15 ships at its Halifax Shipyard.
Under the contract, Ultra Electronics will be responsible for providing a low-frequency active and passive towed sonar system paired with its next-generation hull-mounted sonar.
In addition, the firm will lead the integration of these sensors with sonobuoys and other capabilities to support wide-area underwater battlespace surveillance.
Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems president Bernard Mills said: “As the underwater warfare lead, we are using our considerable depth of anti-submarine warfare experience and capability to ensure Canada’s new ships will provide an enduring operational advantage to the Royal Canadian Navy.
“This work will also generate high-tech jobs in Nova Scotia for sonar design and manufacturing, add to our existing significant export capability, and maintain Canada’s position in the top tier of advanced anti-submarine warfare nations in the world.”
The winning bid submitted by the CST is based on BAE’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship, which is a globally-deployable, multi-role warship designed for high-end anti-submarine warfare.
The vessel can be deployed to perform a range of missions around the globe, including high-intensity warfare, humanitarian assistance, and other missions.
The CSC project, which is expected to cost around C$56bn-C$60bn ($42.16bn-$45.17bn) aims to replace the Halifax-class frigates and the retired Iroquois-class destroyers.
