Critical infrastructure protection fuels growth in maritime counter-drone market
Operational lessons are pushing navies towards counter-uncrewed aerial systems at sea, creating a fast-emerging industrial opportunity for radar and effector makers.
The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) has announced an initial $24.5 million in-service support contract for the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) on board Halifax-class frigates.
Announced on 30 June, the six-year contract with L3 MAPPS covers the in-service support of IPMS, including routine MRO activities, technical support, spares management, and engineering support.
‘This will ensure the systems can continue providing essential services and are capable of integrating new platform systems on board, such as new diesel generators and smoke and heat detection sensors,’ the DND said in a statement.
The IPMS manages the propulsion, electrical, and damage control systems on board Halifax-class frigates.
In September 2014, an interim $11.7 million in-service support contract for the IPMS was awarded to L3 MAPPS via sole-source.
This new contract includes options for extending services until the Halifax-class is retired.
‘Through this contract, the Government of Canada is supporting the operational effectiveness of the Royal Canadian Navy, maintaining 20 Canadian jobs, and advancing Canadian innovation by investing in domestically produced technologies,’ the DND said.
Operational lessons are pushing navies towards counter-uncrewed aerial systems at sea, creating a fast-emerging industrial opportunity for radar and effector makers.
The decision points to deepening NATO cooperation and mounting competition in the Arctic and North Atlantic, as Canada opts for a European-designed solution despite interest from South Korea.
The Royal Navy’s transition towards a hybrid fleet could prove to be less about building more hulls and more about delivering the autonomous technologies, AI and digital integration that will support future maritime operations.
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
Investment in nuclear submarines, autonomous systems and stronger defensive capabilities for existing vessels show a clear strategic shift in Royal Navy priorities.
With a revised Defence Investment Plan on the way ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit on 7-8 July, the UK government has begun to reveal more details of how its future naval fleet could look.