Raytheon [RTN] Integrated Defense Systems has joined the CSI Halifax Team that is responding to the Canadian Navy’s $1.1 billion Halifax-class Modernization (HCM)–Combat Systems Integration (CSI) program, according to General Dynamics [GD] Canada.
Acting as the prime contractor, General Dynamics Canada is leading a team that also includes defence industry suppliers Thales Netherlands, Thales Canada and General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. The strategic addition of Raytheon further strengthens the CSI Halifax Team as Raytheon brings with it proven combat systems integration experience with shipyards worldwide, General Dynamics said.
“The CSI Halifax Team has been carefully selected to leverage Canadian experience and international best practices that will mitigate risk and deliver a best in class solution to the Canadian Navy,” said John Watts, president of General Dynamics Canada. “With Raytheon, we add recent and relevant naval experience specific to Canada’s Halifax-class frigates, providing important continuity for the Canadian Navy and further mitigating risk to the program.”
Raytheon has manufactured the SPS-49 radar, Sea Sparrow Missile, Mk 46 torpedoes and the Phalanx close-in weapons system that are currently onboard the Halifax-class frigates, according to General Dynamics.
The Canadian government is proceeding with mid-life upgrades to the Halifax-class naval frigates, including HCM/FELEX Combat Systems Integration (CSI) program, a technology insertion project that aims to replace the frigate’s command and control system and provide enhanced support to the Command Task Group (CTG) at sea and in littoral environments. A Request for Proposal (RFP) on HCM-CSI was issued last week, General Dynamics added.
Canada’s 12 Halifax-class frigates, which were commissioned between 1992 and 1996, form the backbone of the Canadian navy’s surface combat force. Now at mid-life, the ships require an upgrade to respond to naval threats that today are faster, stealthier, more maneuverable and often occur in demanding littoral environments, according to General Dynamics.
Last month, a Lockheed Martin [LMT]-led team, that includes Saab, unveiled its proposal for the Halifax-class modernization effort.