RCN contract supports testing new technologies
The NEXT-ECS charter contract will free up RCN vessels for operational duties. (Photo: RCN)
The Canadian government is investing in Naval Experimentation and Testing – Engineering and Charter Services (NEXT-ECS) to support the country's navy.
Canada has announced a three-year charter service contract worth an initial C$8.9m (US$6.95 million) with LeeWay Marine for at-sea testing and trialling of technologies, practices and operations. Under the contract, the company is scheduled to begin testing in 2022.
Canada’s Department of National Defence said the contract would help the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) keep pace with technological evolutions and utilising the NEXT-ECS charter service will allow warships in the fleet to focus on operational missions.
NEXT-ECS will also support ‘efforts and initiatives’ in line with Canada’s Greening Government strategy by testing eco-friendly technologies.
Canadian Minister of National Defence Anita Anand said Ottawa was ‘committed’ to investing in the RCN to ensure its future capability.
She added: ‘We will continue to invest in cutting-edge experimentation and testing so that our navy is well-prepared to take on important missions at home and abroad.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear]()
Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear
The Canadian government remains tight-lipped on the timeline and funding required for the next steps of its Canadian Submarine Patrol Project, which should offer improved capabilities for the country’s navy.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
