Lockheed Martin today announced its team's selection to bid on the Canadian Navy's Combat Systems Integrator (CSI) contract, an element of the HALIFAX Class Modernization (HCM) Program to upgrade the nation's 12 multi-mission frigates.

The CSI contract will provide upgraded command and control systems, radars, tactical data links, electronic support measures and other warfare capabilities for the Canadian Navy's 12 Halifax-class frigates, which were commissioned between 1992 and 1997. The program requires that current command and control systems be maintained until all 12 ships have received the retrofit. The government is expected to issue a Request for Proposal later this year with contract award expected in 2008.

"The HALIFAX class frigates are a critical component of the Canadian Navy and the successful delivery of improved combat system capability to the fleet is of absolute importance," said Tom Digan, president of Lockheed Martin Canada. "The HALIFAX's contribution to Canada's foreign and domestic interests is immeasurable. The fleet is a source of tremendous national pride and we look forward to delivering 21st century capabilities to the men and women of the Canadian Navy."

In its recent Solicitation of Interest and Qualification (SOIQ), the Canadian Government stipulated that potential suppliers be able to demonstrate past performance on major naval platforms. Lockheed Martin Canada has been a key supplier and partner to the Canadian Navy for more than 25 years, serving as the combat systems integrator for the frigate program since its inception and as the in-service support provider for both the HALIFAX and IROQUOIS class ships. The company also hosts the Canadian Navy's combat systems integration lab at its facility in Montreal and maintains teams in Esquimalt, BC, and Halifax, NS, to maintain and upgrade the combat systems, maintenance procedure trainers, and team trainers located there.

Lockheed Martin Canada's more than 400 employees -- and facilities in Kanata (Head office), Montreal, Halifax, Victoria, Esquimalt, Dartmouth, Valcartier, Petawawa and Wainright -- were recently realigned within Lockheed Martin's Maritime Systems & Sensors business unit, which is the combat systems integrator for the U.S. Navy's cruiser and destroyer surface combatants and for six other navies worldwide. The alignment brings additional resources, expertise and access to leading edge research and development to meet the new HCM requirements.

The Lockheed Martin-led team is further strengthened by the proven capabilities of Canadian and world-class international companies with broad experience in modern Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS)-based combats systems. Saab Systems has a long tradition in naval command and control and weapon control systems, and has an international reputation based on the production and delivery of more than 180 systems to 15 navies worldwide, including the Australian and New Zealand ANZAC-Class Frigates. IBM Canada, xwave and CAE Professional Services provide made-in-Canada software applications and in- service support expertise that will address integrated logistics support, human factors engineering and other applications critical to the successful delivery of the CSI solution.

"With our strong team and broad experience in surface navy combat system integration programs in Canada and throughout the world, we understand the challenges of this program," said Digan. "We are confident that we will deliver on time, on cost and on schedule."

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin