The Canadian government has awarded Raytheon a $36 million contract to provide new weapon systems for the Canadian Navy.
The contract is for the acquisition of up to 58 naval remote weapon stations which are to be installed on Canada’s existing fleet of Halifax-class modernized frigates and on the future Queenston-class Joint Support Ships.
It has been said that the weaponry systems are capable of defending against naval and aerial threats, including small boat and low-slow flyer threats in all conditions of visibility.
The awarded contract will also ensure ongoing overhaul and maintenance of the equipment for an initial five years, and include two weapon stations for use in training at both the east and west coast fleet schools.
Judy M. Foote , Canadian minister of public services and procurement, said: “The government of Canada is committed to building a more agile, better-equipped Canadian Armed Forces. This new capability increases the safety of the brave women and men of our Royal Canadian Navy as they continue to defend Canadian waters and participate in international missions.”
The weapon stations currently on board the fleet of Halifax-class modernized frigates are not remotely operated and require gun operators to be outside on the ship deck operating the guns. With these new Naval Remote Weapon Stations, operators will now be able to remotely observe and locate targets under various environmental conditions from a separate compartment on board the ship, which will increase the safety and protection of the ship’s crew.
The delivery of the naval remote weapon stations is expected to begin in August 2017.