Canadian Navy in strife?

[buglerbilly]

Canadian Navy Dodges Fleet Reductions

(Source: Forecast International; issued May 17, 2010)

NEWTOWN, Conn. --- The Canadian Navy appears to have avoided a number of significant cuts to its fleet that would have severely limited its operational effectiveness, though a directive from the service's commander last month still raises serious concerns about the state of the fleet.

Last month, Vice Adm. Dean McFadden, chief of Canadian Maritime Staff and Commander of the Canadian Navy, wrote a letter to service officials outlining a series of changes that would result from a lack of funding. Six of the Navy's 12 Kingston-class coastal defense vessels would cease regular operations, while three Halifax-class frigates would take their place conducting limited patrol missions. The combat systems on two frigates and a destroyer would only be "minimally supported" for safe navigation and communications, and the missile defense systems on the Protecteur-class supply ships and some anti-submarine warfare capabilities on Iroquois class destroyers would not be supported.

Chief of the Defense Staff Walter Natynczyk has since reversed course on these program reductions, however. "We're going to rescind the order and have a look at the resources that are being provided" for Navy operations, Natynczyk announced at a May 14 press conference. Natynczyk's order followed a proclamation from Defence Minister Peter MacKay that the Navy had enough funding to keep its entire fleet operational. MacKay told reporters that the Navy's budget saw a CAD200 million increase this year, and that future spending will continue "to increase the capability of the Canadian Navy."

Although the Navy is in the clear for the time being, McFadden's order is telling of the budgetary pressure facing the service, and the military as a whole. Army operations in Afghanistan continue to eat up a significant amount of defense funding, and recent economic troubles have forced the Department of National Defence (DND) to slow overall budget growth over the coming years. The Navy, for its part, also has planned a series of modernization efforts that will require continued support from the DND budget. Current programs include modernizing its Halifax class frigates and preparing its Victoria class submarines for service, buying a fleet of arctic patrol ships, and designing and building new Joint Support Ships. In the long term, the Navy is also working to develop a replacement for its destroyers and frigates.

With the Navy already feeling the need to limit operations, the situation could deteriorate when the service begins buying new auxiliaries and surface combatants. Some of this pressure should at least begin to ease, however, as Ottawa winds down its combat mission in Afghanistan by December 2011.

-ends-

[Weasel]

Canada has a Navy??

cheers

w

[ARH v.3.1]

Canada has a Navy??

cheers

w

Not for long by the looks of things...

[buglerbilly]

Government of Canada to Acquire New Joint Support Ships

(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued July 14, 2010)

HALIFAX –-- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, together with the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and Minister for Status of Women, and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced the Government is moving forward with procurement of new Joint Support Ships (JSS).

The new ships will be built in Canada and will be an important part of our Navy’s work at home and abroad, as part of the Canada First Defence Strategy.

“This government is providing our men and women in uniform the tools and equipment they need to do the jobs asked of them,” said Minister MacKay. “The Joint Support Ship will be a new vessel for our Navy that better enables our sailors to protect Canadian coastlines and sovereignty, and support international operations.”

The Government will acquire two support ships, with the option to procure a third. The JSS project represents a total investment by the Government of Canada of approximately C$2.6 billion. The presence of a JSS increases the range and endurance of the Canadian Navy, permitting it to remain at sea for significant periods of time without going to shore.

The primary role of the JSS will include supply of fuel, ammunition, spare parts, food, and water. The JSS will also provide a home base for the maintenance and operation of helicopters, a limited sealift capability, and logistics support to forces deployed ashore.

“As part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, this announcement will lead to the creation of long-term, skilled jobs for Canadians and will reinvigorate Canada's marine industry, allowing it to compete on the world stage,” added Minister Ambrose.

“Today’s announcement will mean jobs for Canadian workers, as shipyards across the country produce elements of this fleet,” said Minister Clement. “When all is said and done – we are beginning the process to build these ships, and that is great news for our Navy, for our Shipbuilding industry, and for Canada.”

This first step in the replacement of the Navy’s current Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels, known as the definition phase, will involve the assessment of both new and existing designs. Existing ship designs are those already built, operating, and meet key specific Canadian requirements.

A new ship design is being developed by government and industry officials working side-by-side. The selected ship design will be based on the best value in terms of capability and affordability, ensuring the successful delivery of the JSS. The design is expected to be available in approximately two years, at which time a Canadian shipyard, selected as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, will be engaged to complete the design of and build the Joint Support Ships.

The Government of Canada will ensure both value for taxpayers’ dollars and opportunities for Canadian communities and the Canadian marine industry. The Government is committed to getting the right equipment for the Canadian Forces, at the right price for Canadian taxpayers, with the right benefits for Canadian industry. (ends)

Canada Begins Joint Support Ships Procurement for the Canadian Forces

(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued July 14, 2010)

The Joint Support Ships (JSS) are a critical component for achieving success in both international and domestic Canadian Forces (CF) missions, as laid out in the Canada First Defence Strategy. The ships constitute a vital and strategic national asset. The presence of replenishment ships increases the range and endurance of a Naval Task Group, permitting it to remain at sea for significant periods of time without going to shore for replenishment.

The JSS will replace the Navy’s current Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels that are now more than 40 years old and nearing the end of their service lives. The new ships will provide core replenishment, limited sealift capabilities, and support to forces ashore. The JSS will be one of the first of the Navy’s ships to be built by one of the competitively selected Canadian shipyards, as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).

The Way Ahead

This first step in the replacement of the Navy’s current Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels, known as the definition phase, will involve the assessment of both new and existing designs. Existing ship designs are those already built, operating, and meet key specific Canadian requirements. The new ship design under consideration is currently being developed in-house.

The selected ship design will be based on the best value in terms of capability and affordability, ensuring the successful delivery of the JSS. The design is expected to be available in approximately two years, at which time a Canadian shipyard, selected as part of the NSPS, will be contracted to complete the design of and build the JSS. The JSS project represents a total investment by the Government of Canada of approximately $2.6 billion.

The Government of Canada will ensure both value for taxpayers’ dollars and opportunities for Canadian communities and the Canadian marine industry. The Government is committed to getting the right equipment for the CF, at the right price for Canadian taxpayers, with the right benefits for Canadian industry.

Capabilities

The JSS project will procure two ships, with an option to acquire a third. Their capabilities will include:

--Underway Support to Naval Task Groups: Underway support is the term that describes the transfer of liquids and solids (fuel and cargo) between ships at sea. This underway support also includes the operation and maintenance of helicopters, as well as task group medical and dental facilities;
--Limited Sealift: To meet a range of possibilities in an uncertain future security environment, the JSS will be capable of delivering a limited amount of cargo ashore; and
--Limited Support to Forces Ashore: The JSS will have space and weight allocated for the potential future inclusion of a limited joint task force headquarters for command and control of forces deployed ashore.

The JSS will replace the core capabilities of the current Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ships, including: provision of fuel, ammunition, spare parts, food, and water, and other supplies; modern medical and dental care facilities, including an operating room; repair facilities and expertise to keep helicopters and other equipment functioning; and basic self-defence functions.

The Government has done extensive work to identify options to deliver the necessary capabilities within the available budget, and is confident that the renewed JSS procurement approach will see the affordable acquisition of the support ships that are necessary for naval operations.

Flexibility and Adaptability

The JSS will provide the CF with the flexibility to conduct a wide range of domestic and international operations, including: international coalition operations; peace support operations; response to national security incidents; evacuation and rescue operations; and assistance during humanitarian crises or natural disasters. The adaptability inherent within the JSS will help the CF in fulfilling its mandate to safeguard Canada’s maritime security and sovereignty, defend North America, and contribute to international peace and security through operations around the world.

-ends-

[tiddles]

Here is a link to some images of the proposed Canadian JSS & also a Dutch JSS,the second image on the top row is I believe the Jss to be built, the third image on the top row is the JSS proposed in 2004.Most of us have seen similar images before but to my mind this ship is neither your arse nor your elbow.
http://www.google.ca/images?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=canadian+joint+support+ship&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
Tiddles

[Gubler, A.]

Here is a link to some images of the proposed Canadian JSS & also a Dutch JSS,the second image on the top row is I believe the Jss to be built, the third image on the top row is the JSS proposed in 2004.Most of us have seen similar images before but to my mind this ship is neither your arse nor your elbow.
http://www.google.ca/images?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=canadian+joint+support+ship&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
Tiddles

There is a big difference between the Canadian and Dutch ships. The Dutch ship is an LPD with secondary AOR capability. The Canadian ship is an AOR with secondary LPD capability.

[tiddles]

There is a big difference between the Canadian and Dutch ships. The Dutch ship is an LPD with secondary AOR capability. The Canadian ship is an AOR with secondary LPD capability.
Yes that seems to be the case, I guess that Canada has got by with the 2 protecteur Class for so long that an upgraded AOR makes sense to them ,however with NATO obligations & other expeditions I had thought a ship capable of carrying plenty of wheeled & tracked vehicles would be a necessity but I suppose that would need another ship. I had thought that they had purchased a second hand LPD from the U.S.but there does not seem to be one on the Fleet Roster.In the case of the Dutch the JSS will also replace the AOR Zuiderkruis but I cant seem to find any info about the JSS fuel & cargo capacity,I had thiought that another AOR would do the job as they already have 2 largish LPDs ,anyhowI imagine they know what they are doing.
Tiddles

[buglerbilly]

Work Begins on the Halifax-Class Frigates

(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued October 1, 2010)

HALIFAX, N. S. –-- Today, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced that refit and modernization of HMCS Halifax has begun under the Halifax-Class Modernization (HCM)/Frigate Life Extension (FELEX) project. HMCS Halifax is the first frigate to undergo modernization and refit through the HCM/FELEX project.

“This Government is giving the Navy the robust and modern equipment they need to do what is asked of them,” said Minister MacKay. “Canada’s Halifax-Class frigates form the backbone of the Canadian Navy and I find it fitting that this modernization work to extend the life of these ships, is announced during the Navy’s Centennial year.”

The Department of National Defence’s C$549 million contract with Halifax Shipyards Inc. for the HCM/FELEX project represents work for approximately 250 people in the maritime industry in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

The modernization of Canada’s fleet of 12 Halifax-Class frigates includes a new command and control system, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system and upgraded communications and missiles. Under the HCM/FELEX project the frigates will also undergo a mid-life refit to ensure they remain effective to the projected end of their service life. The HCM/FELEX project represents the Government of Canada’s commitment to the Equipment pillar of the Canada First Defence Strategy.

In April 2008, the Government of Canada awarded contracts for the multi-ship refit on Canada’s east and west coasts: to Victoria Shipyards in British Columbia and to Halifax Shipyards in Nova Scotia. The first of the west coast frigates is scheduled to enter modernization and refit at Victoria Shipyards in mid-2011. (ends)

BACKGROUNDER: Halifax-Class Modernization and Life Extension

(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued October 1, 2010)

The Canadian Forces’ 12 Halifax-Class frigates, commissioned between 1992 and 1995, form the backbone of the Navy. These multi-purpose ships were primarily designed to accomplish the Cold War missions of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW), mainly in the open-ocean environment.

In the years following the end of the Cold War, the roles of the Halifax-Class have changed. Current and evolving threats are faster, more manoeuvrable, and are moving from open ocean areas to areas closer to the coast. The close-to-shore environment poses challenges to sensors and weapons systems due to higher traffic density and proximity to shore-based threats. In addition, ships now face asymmetrical threats, such as terrorist attacks, that had not been envisaged when they were designed.

Innovations in procedures and tactics have enabled the frigates to operate effectively in the new threat environment. However, sensor and weapons enhancements are needed in order to enhance the ships’ ability to deal with these new threats into the future.

The Halifax-Class Modernization (HCM)/Frigate Life Extension (FELEX) project will manage both the modernization of the combat systems and a planned mid-life ship refit program to ensure the frigates remain effective to the projected end of their service life. This work will encompass modernization of the ships, including systems upgrades, acquisition and installation of new capabilities, such as enhanced radar, changes to the platform needed to accommodate the new capabilities, and integration of all aspects of frigate operations into an upgraded command and control system.

The HCM/FELEX project and similar projects within the Halifax-Class Modernization program will bring enhanced capabilities to the ships, which are required to meet the new threats and changing operating environments. These include:

-- A new command and control system;
-- New radar suite;
-- IFF Mode S/5 – Interrogator Friend or Foe Mode S/5;
-- Internal communications system upgrade;
-- Harpoon missile system upgrade (surface to surface); and
-- Electronic support measures upgrade.

Other HCM projects include:

-- Long-range infrared search and track system (SIRIUS); and
-- Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (surface to air) ESSM.
-- Related maintenance and sustainment activities and projects will strive to maintain equipment at its current level of capability.

These include:

* Preventive, corrective and unique mid-life maintenance activities:
* Modifications to the BOFORS 57mm naval gun;
* Replacement of the Shield II Missile Decoy Countermeasures System;
* Replacement of the integrated machinery control system; and
* Replacement of the navigation radar.

Planning, preparation and coordination of the modernization began in 2005. Modernization and refit of the frigates began in September 2010, with the final ship estimated for completion in 2017.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Two Month Bid Extension Request Denied

June 30, 2011

The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy Secretariat today announced its response to the two requests received on June 23, 2011 to extend the bid period to September 12, 2011.

The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy Deputy Ministers' Governance Committee has determined that a 2 month extension would be unacceptable, as it would have significant and unacceptable impacts.

However, the detailed review of costs and program impacts associated with making this decision permits Canada to grant a two week extension. This is the maximum flexibility available to Canada without incurring costs and/or causing unacceptable impact on the NSPS program. This extension is provided in the interests of maximizing competitiveness, which is in the best interests of Canadian taxpayers.

The RFP bid period will close on July 21, 2011.


Backgrounder: Request for Two Month Extension of Bid Closing Date Denied

June 30, 2011

When making decisions on requests for bid extensions, Canada examines the merits of the request and, in doing so, considers, amongst other things: the rationale for the request, the reasonableness of the request and the impact on Canada's operational requirements and the procurement process. The principles of fairness, openness and transparency are paramount and have been applied consistently throughout the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) process.

These same principles have served to guide the Deputy Ministers' Governance Committee decision. The independent Fairness Monitor engaged to oversee the NSPS process has observed the process of rendering this decision and has stated that "having monitored the NSPS Deputy-level Governance Committee meeting and reviewed the written analysis prepared for the meeting, it is my opinion as Fairness Monitor that due process was followed in reaching a decision on the NSPS bid extension request and there were no fairness related deficiencies."

When considering the rationale for an extension request, we ask:
•Were the constraints imposed by Canada?
•Were the constraints externally imposed upon the bidder due to conditions beyond their reasonable control? Or,
•Were the constraints within the control of the bidder?

In assessing reasonableness, some general factors we consider include:
•Was industry consulted regarding the requirement?
•Was industry consulted regarding the original bid period?
•Has Canada been responsive in a timely manner to questions posed during the bid period?

Considerations around impacts include:
•The potential for additional cost;
•Delays to the schedule to deliver on the operational requirements,
•The effect on competitiveness; and
•The credibility and integrity of the procurement process.

The NSPS serves as a model for how complex procurement can be managed to benefit all parties. The process followed to date for the NSPS successfully demonstrates how bidders can work collaboratively with Canada. This has allowed us to identify key deadlines and milestones, and finalize a Request for Proposals (RFP) that clearly outlines Canada's needs and facilitates a common understanding of these requirements by all parties. It is a result of this collaborative approach, initiated in the earliest stages of this procurement, that we have been able to successfully meet all agreed to project milestones in the timeframes set out.

It is important to keep in mind that the timelines for conducting the NSPS process have been established for over a year. The NSPS was announced in June 2010 following an industry consultation that initiated the process in July 2009. The Solicitation of Interest and Qualification (SOIQ) was subsequently issued in September, and the short listed shipyards were announced in October. There were five meetings with all respondents in the development of the RFP between October 2010 and January 2011. The general outline, as well as the specific requirements, have been established for many months.

In our assessment of reasonableness, it should be noted that Canada consulted with the potential bidders regarding the appropriate bid period before the RFP was released in February 2011. The input received from all potential bidders indicated that the closing date should be in May 2011. Nevertheless, Canada decided to provide bidders with approximately two months more than was identified as being required to submit bids. We wanted to ensure that all bidders had sufficient time to prepare their best proposals. We also needed to put into place contractual commitments to assist in the bid evaluation process. The requested extension would have resulted in a slippage in the process from July 7, 2011 to December 2011.

Canada believes that the high degree of consultation with bidders on the content and timing of the RFP and the Secretariat's responsiveness to questions posed during the bid period has demonstrated that Canada's actions to date have been entirely reasonable. The requests for extension come at a very late stage in the process.

Another critical factor that we considered is the impact of the proposed extension on the NSPS project schedule and the associated ship construction work packages. The NSPS includes approved shipbuilding projects that are awaiting the outcome of the procurement process before they can proceed. The two month bid extension requested would further delay those important projects and lead to significant additional costs to Canada. We, therefore, have come to the conclusion that the costs and the operational impacts on the NSPS process of granting the requested extension would be significant and unacceptable.

However, the detailed review of costs and program impacts associated with making this decision permits Canada to grant a two week extension. This is the maximum flexibility available to Canada without incurring costs and/or causing unacceptable impact on the NSPS process. This extension is provided in the interests of maximizing competitiveness, which is in the best interests of Canadian taxpayers.

[buglerbilly]

Laser Identifies, Defeats Naval Threats

Oct 12, 2011

By Pat Toensmeier
New York



Defense Research and Development Canada (DRDC) is working on a system that will provide ships in the littorals or those docked in port with continuous laser surveillance of optic threats—any weapon that uses a lens, including laser-guided rockets and missiles, along with binoculars, telescopes and other devices used by spotters.

Called Locates (Laser Optical Countermeasures and Surveillance Against Threat Environment Scenarios), the system is being developed with Cassidian, the defense and security division of EADS. A prototype that also tracks laser-guided threats—including those with low-power lasers—and responds with countermeasures has been tested. Work is continuing, and final testing of the prototype is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2013.

Navies have for years included laser-detection and countermeasures systems in their ships’ defensive capabilities. The work by DRDC and Cassidian could be an effort to improve the speed, accuracy and response of such detection.

Cassidian, which received a $C3.5 million ($3.57 million) contract to develop the prototype and advance the technology, declined to discuss its work. DRDC scientists replied via email to a list of questions about the project.

The Locates Technology Demonstration Project (TDP), the scientists write, is designed to protect all classes of Royal Canadian Navy ships from laser-assisted threats. When the prototype is delivered for field tests, it will integrate subsystems that are also in development by DRDC. These include a surveillance device, sensor and alarm, and countermeasures. “This project is a starting point for technology against laser-guided threats,” the DRDC reports, “and could be used in various situations.”

The prototype incorporates an undisclosed number of laser detectors that provide 180-deg. coverage. The final design will have 360-deg. coverage, DRDC says. The detectors—on the prototype and the final design—are fixed (i.e., non-scanning), so their ability to detect threats is “near instantaneous,” the scientists state. Coastal areas will be scanned for laser threats. Input from the detectors will be interfaced to a processing unit that warns operators when the ship is being illuminated by laser. The processing unit will use the laser receivers to determine a target’s position and track it, and rapidly deploy countermeasures as needed.

The TDP will also provide data on the performance parameters necessary to respond to different threats based on target range, beam absorption in the atmosphere and sensitivity of the laser receivers.

DRDC says it is too early in development to speculate on the final production cost of each laser-defense system, adding that this will depend on performance, integration within shipboard systems and production volume.

Stuart Slade, senior naval analyst at defense consultant Forecast International of Newtown, Conn., believes one goal of Locates may be to improve the speed of threat detection and lower the number of false alarms. “The speed at which a modern naval engagement takes place produces a high false-alarm rate,” he says. This in turn affects the amount of munitions and other countermeasures that are expended to protect a ship. Slade says that by improving the speed and accuracy of threat detection and tailoring an appropriate response, the DRDC could be looking to upgrade this technology for evolving threats and scenarios such as littoral combat, where the detection and countermeasures response time is much less than for a ship operating over the horizon.

“A precise laser-warning system gives a lot of options for defense,” he adds.

While laser-warning systems have been in use by some navies for years, details of their operation and capabilities have always been closely guarded. “This type of information would be useful to ungodly people,” Slade remarks. His observation especially rings true in the littorals, where insurgents and hybrid forces can be expected to deploy laser-guided weapons.

Cassidian’s involvement in the technology of Locates could mean that the DRDC is looking to the company to increase the accuracy and speed of detection. Slade says that as a unit of EADS, Cassidian engineers could have access to that company’s airborne and land-based radars and be in a position to apply some of the technology to the TDP.

Locates will doubtless be part of a layered defense system that incorporates hard- and soft-kill countermeasures against laser-guided threats, Slade says. These could include active defense munitions that destroy an incoming rocket or missile, releasing smoke and particulates to disrupt a laser beam and using a jammer that blinds a laser or forces it away from a ship.

Photo: Royal Canadian Navy

[buglerbilly]

$35B in Shipbuilding Contracts to Be Awarded Soon

(Source: Toronto Sun; posted Oct. 16, 2011)

OTTAWA --- It is Ottawa's best-kept secret but the biggest defence procurement contract since World War II is expected to be unveiled as soon as this week, according to a government source.

In the coming days, about $35 billion worth of shipbuilding contracts will be announced.

There are two deals to be handed out and three shipyards battling for the contracts.
The contenders include Nova Scotia's Halifax Shipyard, British Columbia's Seaspan Marine Corp. and the Davie shipyard of Levis, Que.

The largest contract is worth $25-billion and will be spent on combat vessels for the navy.

The other contract is worth $8 billion and will go towards building non-combat ships, including a new Arctic icebreaker.

The shipyard which loses out on the big contracts can make a bid for smaller contract of about $2 billion.

Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose has said the decision is completely out of the government's control and cabinet not is involved in the process.

The procurement is under the watchful eye of high-level oversight committees and a fairness monitor.

Government sources are so concerned about leaks and any appearance of bias in the process that they won't confirm it and refer all calls to the shipbuilding secretariat.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Irving Top Winner in 20-Year Canadian Shipbuilding Plan

By DAVID PUGLIESE

Published: 19 Oct 2011 17:06

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - Irving Shipyards here was awarded the lion's share of Canada's future shipbuilding contracts on Wednesday.

Irving has been selected to be the government-designated shipyard to construct the country's major warships over the next two decades, said François Guimont, deputy minister of Public Works and Government Services.

That decision will put the shipyard in line to be awarded about 24 billion Canadian dollars ($25 billion) worth of shipbuilding contracts. These include the construction of the Royal Canadian Navy's Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships and the future fleet of Canadian Surface Combatants.

The announcement was made at a nationally televised press conference in Ottawa.

The surface combatant will replace the Navy's destroyers and frigates, and it is expected that 15 vessels will be built sometime after 2016. Six to eight Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships will be built. A contract for those vessels is expected to be signed in the summer of 2012.

As one of the winners of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS), Irving is guaranteed the work on all major Navy warships. It is, however, required to negotiate separate contracts for each project as they come along.

Seaspan, which has shipyards in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia, was selected as the second successful bidder on the NSPS, Guimont said. It was named the winning shipyard designated to build other federal government vessels, such as icebreakers and Coast Guard patrol ships. The estimated value of work that will come to Seaspan in the coming 20 years is about 8 billion Canadian dollars.

The third bidder for NSPS was Davie Yards, Lévis, Québec.

The construction of smaller federal government ships will be set aside for competitive procurement among other Canadian shipyards such as Davie. Those contracts are expected to be worth around 2 billion Canadian dollars. Neither Irving nor Seaspan will be allowed to bid to build those smaller ships.

The repair, refit and maintenance of ships in the future federal fleet will continue to be sourced through competitive tendering.

The NSPS will "bring predictability to federal ship procurement and eliminate cycles of boom and bust," which should benefit the country's entire maritime industry, according to Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose.

The previous government policy on naval construction supported a "boom and bust" cycle where shipyards worked full tilt on naval programs and then faced an economic downturn and layoffs of skilled labor at the end of each vessel-building program.

The NSPS will promote a long-term, continuous build of ships at a slow rate to ensure the shipyards have a regular cash flow and the secure work force needed to handle the numerous projects, government officials say.

[buglerbilly]

HMCS Victoria Departs Esquimalt For Sea Trials.

(Source: Royal Canadian Navy; undated, Dec. 2011)

They sure seem to have been puppies the Ex Upholders............mind you, you'd have to ask what sort of assessment was completed prior to purchase?

With the successful completion of a number of key milestones, including a series of static dives in Esquimalt Harbour, Victoria will continue her Tiered Readiness Program that will see the submarine fully weaponized, the crew certified, and both being declared fully operational in 2012.

HMCS Victoria

Victoria is completing a scheduled EDWP at Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton in Esquimalt, B.C. The submarine was undocked on April 18, 2011 and began a series of in-harbour tests and trials including advancement of torpedo firing capability.

Concurrently, the submarine’s crew are conducting personnel training and exercises.

Victoria conducted a camber dive on 26 September 2011 in Esquimalt Harbour. This was a key milestone in the boat’s tests and trials program as it indicates that the submarine is nearing the completion of its deep maintenance period. The camber dive included a multitude of activities to verify the submarine’s watertight integrity, and the functionality of key systems.

When Victoria proceeds to sea, she will conduct further equipment trials and crew training such that the submarine can be declared fully operational in 2012. This trial and crew training process is known as the Tiered Readiness Program. Notably, in early 2012, Victoria will conduct exercise torpedo firings as a demonstration of weapons capability.

-ends-

[JKM Mk2]

I know Australia gave the Upholder class design serious consideration during the Collins decision stage, but were there any plans to purchase the Upholders outright (plus a few more in Oz) in preference to building the Kockums design? Neither design has proven to be particularly successful long-term although the Upholders were successful in RN service from what I can see and a lot of the Collins reporting is just media hype.

JKM

[buglerbilly]

Canadian Navy Tests ScanEagle in the Mediterranean

Posted on February 10, 2012 by The Editor


Aboard HMCS Charlottetown, the ship’s team and civilian technicians from ING Engineering place the launch and recovery equipment for the ScanEagle on the flight deck: the catapult launcher on the starboard side, and the recovery system — a device based on the Insitu SkyHook — on the port side - Photo : MCpl Robin Mugridge

When HMCS Charlottetown deployed to the Mediterranean Sea for Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR, she took with her a potent surveillance and reconnaissance capability that is new to Canadian warships: the ScanEagle unmanned aircraft, a small, low-cost, long-endurance UAS built by Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing.

Among her many tasks during this deployment, Charlottetown is exploring the feasibility of integrating UAS aboard HMC ships and developing expertise in operating UAS at sea.

HMCS Charlottetown will use the ScanEagle for general maritime surveillance in international waters and airspace.

“The ScanEagle was originally designed for fishing vessels to search for and locate schools of fish,” said Sergeant Michael Jenkins, leader of the UAS detachment embarked in HMCS Charlottetown. A member of 4 Air Defence Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, Sgt Jenkins has worked with the ScanEagle since 2008, when he deployed to Afghanistan with the UAS detachment supporting Canadian combat operations in Kandahar Province.

The ScanEagle team also includes civilian technicians, employees of ING Engineering, a Canadian business that delivers unmanned systems tailored to the needs of clients around the world.

“It is an excellent piece of kit that will provide my team with increased safety, which is a priority,” said Lieutenant (RCN) Adam MacIntyre, the Naval Boarding Party Officer on Charlottetown. “The overall picture of the situation will be up to date. I can liaise with the ScanEagle detachment to see what I want, when I want, through the video display. The more information I get that is accurate and relevant, the better.”

“[The UAS] allows us to see in the dark much further for longer periods of time,” added Commander Wade Carter, Commanding Officer of HMCS Charlottetown. “Back in World War I, in the Battle of Jutland, two gigantic battle fleets sailed past each other in the dead of night. The challenge has always been locating the enemy before he locates you. ScanEagle gives us a definite edge in this area.”

“Confirmation of the enemy, his intent and his location, without him even knowing it,” said Cdr Carter, summarizing what a UAS could bring to operations at sea. “ScanEagle is a game-changer in terms of rapidly developing situational awareness with low risk.”

The ScanEagle has been in service with the U.S. Navy since 2005. The most famous case in which it has been used to date was the April 2009 rescue by the USS Bainbridge of Captain Richard Phillips, master of the cargo vessel MV Maersk Albama, who was taken hostage by pirates.


From left: ING Engineering employees Garth Matheson, a field service representative, and Pat Brophy, Director of UAV Services, operate the support legs of the ScanEagle recovery system, preparing it to be secured to the flight deck of HMCS Charlottetown.

Source: Canadian Expeditionary Force Command