Combat Support Ship, Asterix, awarded 3-year service extension by the Government of Canada

Chilean Navy frigate CNS Almirante Lynch (FF 07) and Indian Navy stealth multi-role frigate INS Sahyadri (F49) perform a replenishment-at-sea with Royal Canadian Navy supply ship MV Asterix (centre) off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), July 28, 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez/Released)

News provided by Federal Fleet Services

Federal Fleet Services (FFS) announced today that the Government of Canada has exercised the remaining three option years under their unique Provision of Services Agreement (PSA) for Combat Support Ship (CSS) Asterix. In addition to the provision of the Asterix, FFS provides personnel to operate and maintain the vessel, while the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) assigns Mission Specialists to fulfill critical naval defense roles, with the FFS merchant and RCN military crews operating in an integrated, seamless and highly capable manner.

Royal Canadian Navy supply ship MV Asterix arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in preparation for RIMPAC 2018. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin R. Pacheco)

This cost effective contracting model has been a true Canadian success story and is currently in its seventh year and will be in effect until at least January 28th 2028. The original contract for CSS Asterix was for an initial five-year period followed by five optional years, and an option to purchase the vessel, which remains in effect.

John Schmidt, President of Federal Fleet Services said, "Since 2018, Combat Support Ship Asterix has circumnavigated the globe several times working with NATO and other allied navies in military and humanitarian operations in the world's most hostile regions – from the Persian Gulf to East Africa, the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula. In that time, the ship has performed flawlessly, without a single day of unplanned downtime. Asterix has truly earned her place as an essential capability for serving the needs of our military, as well as those of our allies."

Alex Vicefield, CEO of the Inocea Group added: "Combat Support Ship Asterix has become an indispensable strategic enabler for Canada's blue water naval operations. Its capabilities, experience and reliability have rightly earned the ship and its crew global acclaim. In an increasingly volatile world, we continue to make major strategic investments in Asterix to meet emerging threats and challenges. Congratulations to the Federal Fleet Services team for their flawless track-record and contribution to keeping Canadians and our allies safe and secure."

At a glance: Combat Support Ship Asterix

Since delivery in 2018, CSS Asterix has performed the following without a single day of unplanned downtime or major incident:

• 245,931 nautical miles sailed (10 times around the globe), stopping in over 20 countries.

• 480 operations delivering over 95 million litres of fuel.

• 292 dry cargo and ammunition transfers to 21 allied navies.

• 87 helicopter landings.

• 11 military operations in the South China Sea, Red Sea, East China Sea, Arabian Sea, East Africa, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Korean Peninsula and Arctic, involving counter-terrorism, wartime evacuation, sanction enforcement, NATO task groupings, freedom of navigation and international patrols.

• 13 international military exercises off Canada, Japan, Australia, UK and US.

Key Facts

• Combat Support Ship Asterix is a fully-NATO compliant multipurpose replenishment and support ship owned and operated by Federal Fleet Services Inc. for the Royal Canadian Navy.

• CSS Asterix is crewed by a combination of Federal Fleet Services and Royal Canadian Navy personnel.

• Since her delivery from Davie Shipbuilding in 2018, CSS Asterix has not had a single day of downtime. Her reliability and capability have earned her an excellent reputation amongst the global navies she has supported.

• The ship was designed for and fitted with the same equipment and systems as the Royal Canadian Navy's future fleet, including its Integrated Tactical and Navigation System, Integrated Platform Management System, Communications Systems, Replenishment At Sea Systems, among others.

• In 2023, Federal Fleet Services acquired and installed a pioneering multi-domain command-and-control system to detect, monitor and intercept aerial and surface threats.

• CSS Asterix was fitted for certain optional systems such as CIWS, torpedo decoys and CBRN protection. With preparations already made, these systems can be installed, if required, in short order.

Ottawa’s W.R. Davis Engineering awarded $30-million supply chain contract to support the River-class destroyer project (Canadian Surface Combatant) for Canada’s Navy

Ottawa-based W.R. Davis Engineering Limited is the latest Canadian company to join Irving Shipbuilding’s supply chain and support the construction of the future Canadian Surface Combatants, now known as the River-class destroyers, being built for the Royal Canadian Navy.

Irving Shipbuilding awarded W.R. Davis a contract totalling over $30-million to design and implement the full engine intake and exhaust system, as well as the infrared suppression devices for the exhaust. This contract will support jobs in the Ottawa-region and will be carried out on the first three destroyers.

The engine intake and exhaust systems draw air into the ship's engines and exhaust the air back out of the engine and ship. Meanwhile, the infrared suppression devices will protect the ship by cooling the engine exhaust gas and the exposed hot metal, importantly decreasing the ship’s infrared signature and protecting it against heat-seeking anti-ship missiles, including reducing the range at which these missiles can lock onto the ship.

As part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Irving Shipbuilding is building 15 River-class destroyers. Construction on the production test module of the River-class began in June 2024, with these ships slated to replace the existing Halifax-class frigates as the backbone of Canada’s naval combat capability moving forward. This is the largest and most complex shipbuilding project in Canadian history.

“As a family-operated business, the W.R. Davis team is extremely proud to contribute to the River-class destroyer project and help provide the brave personnel of the Royal Canadian Navy with the most advanced capabilities to support their missions,” says Courtney Wagner, Vice President, W.R. Davis. “Davis has been providing this technology to navies around the world for over 35 years. Now, our Ottawa facility has the rare opportunity to support the important revitalization work of the Canadian fleet with our state-of-art technology.”

W.R. Davis Engineering Limited was established in 1975 in Ottawa by Rolly Davis and is now run by his son, Tom Davis. The company remains a family-controlled business, with three of Rolly's four children holding senior positions.Importantly, this contract will deliver new jobs to the local community and area workforce. To support the River-class destroyer work, Davis will be looking to hire experienced technicians as well as new welders, with little to no experience, to train them on the specialized welding and fitting that is required for this project.

“This Irving Shipbuilding project will provide steady work for our marine fabrication group for the next 20 years,” says Wagner. “It’s an exciting time to be part of Canada’s defence sector.”

Driven by the NSS, this latest supply chain announcement contributes to over $3.2 billion in total contracts and investments delivered to Ontario by the NSS. It is one more testament to the impact of the NSS and how it is delivering regional economic benefits and fostering Canadian innovation right across the country.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome W.R. Davis onto the River-class destroyer program,” says Lee Fromson, Vice President, Supply Chain and Quality, Irving Shipbuilding. “One of Irving Shipbuilding’s priority objectives is to add Canadian suppliers and content to the River-class program, consequently, the selection of a family-run Ottawa based business for such an important piece of work is great to see. We now look forward to working closely with W.R. Davis moving forward.”

Last month at Irving’s Halifax Shipyard, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair and Vice-Admiral Topshee announced that the new fleet of combat ships will be known as River-class destroyers, and the first three ships will be named His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Fraser, Saint-Laurent, and Mackenzie.

Babcock Canada and Roshel Sign Teaming Agreement to Support the Canadian Armed Forces’ Land Requirements

(L-R):

Matthew Crawley, Vice President - Aviation & Land, Babcock Canada

Maria Tkacheva, COO, Roshel

Roman Shimonov, CEO, Roshel

Jerry McLean, CEO, Babcock Canada

Tom Newman, Sector Chief Executive – Land Sector, Babcock International Group

Babcock Canada (Babcock), a Defence and Aerospace company, and Roshel, a leading manufacturer of armoured special purpose vehicles, have signed a Teaming Agreement to support the Canadian Armed Forces with their land requirements.

Babcock, a recognized leader in supporting military land requirements for NATO allies, has been proud to play a critical role in supporting Canada’s safety and security for over 16 years. Drawing on decades of global experience, Babcock delivers fully integrated solutions tailored specifically for Canada and its unique environment in systems engineering, project management, integrated logistics support, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and in-service support.

As one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, Roshel has become a leading manufacturer of armoured vehicles in Canada. With hundreds of new units deployed yearly, Roshel has grown the portfolio of top-ranked fleet customers among government and large commercial organizations.

Following Canada’s Department of Public Works and Government Services release of an Invitation to Qualify for the provision of Land Utility Vehicles, Roshel was selected as a qualified bidder. Babcock looks forward to supporting Roshel in their proposal as an in-service support partner.

“Our team is delighted to be working with Roshel to deliver a proposal that will support the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. Leveraging our experience and expertise as a recognized leader in providing in-service support enables us to combine our extensive capabilities and deliver innovative solutions.” – Jerry McLean, CEO, Babcock Canada

“The war in Ukraine has pushed us to rapidly develop, test, certify, and combat-prove our vehicles in challenging conditions. As a well-established and mature manufacturer of armoured vehicles, we are confident that this collaboration will combine our expertise with Babcock's extensive in-service support capabilities to deliver a robust and innovative Land Utility Vehicle solution tailored to meet Canada's specific needs.” – Roman Shimonov, CEO, Roshel

This Teaming Agreement solidifies Babcock and Roshel’s commitment to work together and leverage their respective capabilities to deliver an innovative Land Utility Vehicle solution for Canada.

Babcock Canada and Roshel Sign a Memorandum of Understanding to collaboratively support the Canadian Armed Forces and government agencies

Babcock Canada CEO, Jerry McLean (right), and Roshel CEO, Roman Shimonov (left), at the Roshel facility.

Babcock Canada, a Defence and Aerospace company, and Roshel, a leading manufacturer of armoured special purpose vehicles, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaboratively explore opportunities to support the Canadian Armed Forces.

For over 16-years, Babcock has been proud to play a critical role supporting Canada’s safety and security. With a focus on mission critical assets, Babcock is trusted to support members of the Canadian Armed Forces from coast-to-coast. As Babcock expands its operations in Canada, it continues to draw on its global experience in the latest land vehicle technology to deliver fully integrated solutions tailored specifically for Canada and its unique environment.

Roshel designs and manufactures an extensive line of smart armoured vehicles for military and law enforcement agencies across North America and worldwide. Its vehicles are outfitted with advanced security measures designed to optimize survivability, thereby enhancing their capability to execute missions successfully under adverse conditions.

This Memorandum of Understanding enables both leading Defence companies to leverage their respective capabilities, combining Babcock’s global asset management expertise and Roshel’s vehicle manufacturing experience, to deliver innovative solutions.

“We are proud to be a trusted partner of the Canadian Armed Forces and are delighted to sign this memorandum of understanding with Roshel. This agreement will enable us to leverage our global expertise and jointly explore innovative opportunities that will support the requirements of the Canadian Army.” – Jerry McLean, CEO, Babcock Canada

“Signing a MOU marks a significant milestone in our expansion efforts within Canada and globally. We are delighted to partner with Babcock, whose extensive capabilities enable them to provide in-service support for our vehicles on a worldwide scale. There are numerous opportunities where our combined expertise can collaborate to set new industry benchmarks.” – Roman Shimonov, CEO, Roshel Inc.

This Memorandum of Understanding reinforces both Babcock and Roshel’s commitments to supporting defence and government customers now and into the future, ensuring their mission critical assets and support services are ready whenever, wherever, and however they need them.

Press Release: Babcock Canada

Saab receives equipment order for Gripen

Photo: Saab

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the procurement of additional LITENING 5 target designator pods, including maintenance capabilities. The order is valued at SEK 390 million. LITENING 5 is used in the precision designation of targets through laser targeting and target tracking. FMV previously ordered this version of LDP for Gripen E, and are also now integrated on Gripen C/D. This order comprises the additional pods, maintenance and spare parts. “By building up a maintenance capability for this version of target designation pod, Saab is ensuring that the Swedish Armed Forces can maintain them within Sweden’s borders,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area. The pods and maintenance capabilities will be delivered to FMV in 2026.

Press release from: Saab Press Centre

Arcfield Canada Awarded $211.6M Contract for CF-18 Avionics In-Service Support

Photo Left to right; MP George Chahal, Calgary Skyview, Alberta.  Mr. Jacques Comtois, VP of Canadian Operations, Arcfield Canada and MayorJyoti Gondek, Calgary.

Arcfield Canada Corp., a leading provider of mission sustainment solutions for the aerospace and defence industry, has been awarded the CF-18 Avionics In-Service Support program by the Department of National Defence (DND). The award, which represents follow-on work for the company, has a firm 5-year period of performance and a total contract value of up to $211.6 million CAD.

In support of this work, Arcfield Canada assembled Team Northern Sentry—which includes Raytheon Canada, L3Harris Technologies, Palitronica and Terra Nova—to deliver a comprehensive sustainment solution and in-service support to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Under the contract, Team Northern Sentry will provide ongoing operation and maintenance of Canada’s CF-18 fighter fleet.

“We are honored to have been selected to continue our support to Canada’s CF-18 fighter aircraft,” stated Jacques Comtois, vice president of operations at Arcfield Canada. “Our proven track record in delivering operational readiness and industry-leading sustainment solutions, and the collective expertise of our team members, offers unparalleled support in maintaining fleet availability and ensure mission readiness of Canada’s CF-18 fleet until the aircraft's anticipated retirement.”

Arcfield Canada hosted a special contract award ceremony at its Canadian headquarters in Calgary, Alberta on March 7, 2024. George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, visited Arcfield Canada in Calgary, Alberta to announce the important investment to support Canada’s fleet of CF-18 fighter jets. Dignitaries, members of DND and RCAF, partners, suppliers and local media were present to commemorate this significant achievement.

“This contract underscores Arcfield’s unwavering commitment to the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman and CEO of Arcfield. “We are eager to continue this valuable partnership and uphold the highest standards in enhancing fleet availability to support Canada’s mission.”

For more than three decades, Arcfield Canada has served as the prime contractor for the CF-18 Avionics Optimized Weapon System Support program, providing reliable and cost-effective in-service and integrated logistics support for the entire CF-18 avionics platform and its associated support equipment.

Press release by Arcfield Canada