The NEXT-ECS charter contract will free up RCN vessels for operational duties. (Photo: RCN)
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.’
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The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
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