General Dynamics to Upgrade Canada's Halifax-class Frigate ASW Suite.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada was awarded the Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade (UWSU) contract to upgrade and maintain underwater sensors on the Halifax-class frigates for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

 General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada image.

Together with Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems and Nautel, General Dynamics will offer the RCN an improved ability to detect and track underwater threats, while continuing to develop technologies that generate economic impact for Canada.

“General Dynamics is pleased to continue its proud tradition of supporting Canada in anti-submarine warfare as we embark on this ambitious upgrade program,” said David Ibbetson, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Mission Systems–International. “Not only will UWSU benefit the RCN, it will also create and sustain jobs across Ontario and the Maritimes for years to come.”

Much more than a simple sonar upgrade, UWSU will provide the RCN with an integrated, multi-sonar capability that will profoundly change the ship’s operational capabilities. The Halifax-class frigates will be able to detect quieter targets at increased ranges, while improved automation will allow sonar operators to improve their underwater warfare performance work and to focus on other priorities.