Ultra to provide TLFAS variable depth sonar system for Canada’s CSC

Ultra has won a contract to provide a variable depth sonar (VDS) system for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) programme.

Know as Towed Low Frequency Active Sonar (TLFAS), the system is designed to identify and track stealthy submarines in harsh sea environments.

Once delivered, TLFAS will provide advanced sonar capability to the Royal Canadian Navy. It is expected to serve as a crucial anti-submarine warfare (ASW) asset.

Ultra Maritime Sonar Systems president Bernard Mills said: “Ultra recognises our responsibility to provide, through CSC, the highest possible level of ASW capability to the Royal Canadian Navy.

“Most importantly, this is not just a success for Ultra but is one for the entire CSC enterprise, and I want to thank our strong partners in Lockheed Martin Canada, Irving Shipbuilding Inc, and all our peers on the CSC team who are as dedicated as we are to the delivery of a world-class naval capability to Canada, built by Canadians.”

Manufactured by Ultra in Nova Scotia of Canada, the TLFAS system includes components produced by other Canadian companies.

Ultra’s Canadian team consists of more than 150 employees. It expects to create another 80 high-tech roles this year.

Canada Public Services and Procurement Minister Anita Anand said: “As we work to build the future fleet of the Royal Canadian Navy, we are pleased to see companies like Ultra stepping up to provide leading-edge technology for our shipbuilding projects.

“The National Shipbuilding Strategy continues to provide opportunities for Canadian businesses of all sizes, from coast to coast to coast.”

In September last year, Ultra received a contract from QinetiQ upgrade the entire Sonobuoy Test Facility (STF) system in the UK.