Canada to finance maintenance of its frigates for almost USD 1.5 billion

Canada has signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin Canada to provide technical support for Halifax frigates worth USD 1.33 billion.

Here's What We Know

The Government of Canada has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin Canada worth up to USD 1.33 billion to provide technical support for Halifax frigates until the end of their service life.

According to Lockheed Martin Canada General Manager Glenn Copeland in an interview with Breaking Defence, the first long-term contract for the frigates was signed in 2008 and was in effect until recently. The new agreement is scheduled to run until 2045, when the last Halifax frigate will be retired from the fleet.

Lockheed Martin Canada will focus on regular software updates for the CMS330 combat control system, which ensures the fleet's operational effectiveness.

"The Royal Canadian Navy's fleet of Halifax-class frigates is the backbone of maritime operations at home and abroad. This sustainment contract will ensure that our frigates remain effective until we receive our future fleet of River destroyers," said Bill Blair, Minister of Defence of Canada.

At the end of June 2024, the Ministry of Defence of Canada officially confirmed the start of preparations for the production of a large series of advanced River destroyers.

The first ship is expected to be delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in the early 2030s. The last 15 destroyers of this type are expected to be delivered in the 2050s.

Source: Breaking Defence