General Dynamics secures ISS contract for Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class combat systems

The Government of Canada has awarded a contract to General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada for in-service support (ISS) on Royal Canadian Navy’s six Halifax-class combat systems (HCCS).

The HCCS are an integral component of the entire fleet of Halifax-class ships and will require in-service support until the arrival of the Canadian surface combatants.

This initial contract is valued at approximately C$182 million over six years.

“The six systems that will be maintained under this contract will help our sailors detect, track, and identify threats to their ship, which will give them greater protection as they conduct their mission in the service of our nation’s interests,” Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, said.

Specifically, General Dynamics will support the Royal Canadian Navy’s operational readiness and sustainment objectives providing ISS to six combat systems on twelve Halifax-class ships, RCN Fleet Schools, Fleet Maintenance Facilities and the Naval Electronic Systems Test Range Atlantic and Pacific.

According to General Dynamics, the contract will help ensure the RCN’s HCCS Equipment Group – which largely includes radar systems – are ready for any mission. General Dynamics is also upgrading and maintaining underwater sensors on the Halifax-class ships via the underwater warfare suite upgrade contract – further contributing to technologies that generate economic impact for Canada.

The Halifax-class frigates monitor and control Canadian waters, defend Canada’s sovereignty, facilitate large-scale search and rescue activities, and provide emergency assistance when needed. Introduced into service in the 1990s, the Canadian-built Halifax-class frigates were recently modernized to remain operationally effective and relevant until the Canadian surface combatants enter into service.

The Canadian surface combatants will replace the Halifax-class frigates and the retired Iroquois-class destroyers. With them, the navy will have capable ships to monitor and defend Canada’s waters, to continue to contribute to international naval operations and to rapidly deploy credible naval forces worldwide, on short notice.