Thales to provide ISS for Canadian Navy's Kingston-class coastal defence vessels.

According to a PR published by Thales on September 7, 2023, the French company has been chosen to provide In-Service Support (ISS) for the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) fleet of Minor Warships and Auxiliary Vessels (MWAV).
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Canadian Kingston class coastal defence vessel HMCS Brandon. (Picture source: Dvids)

This fleet, comprising approximately 100 vessels from 24 distinct classes, includes notable ships like the Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels and Orca-class training vessels, among others.

The contract, valued at $450 million CAD (around 305m€), underscores Thales' pivotal role in Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy. This partnership builds on Thales' nearly six-decade legacy of providing ISS in Canada.

The announcement comes on the heels of Canadian Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau's statement during the NATO Summit in Latvia, confirming the joint venture between Thales Canada and Thales Australia for the MWAV ISS contract.

This collaboration aims to ensure the RCN fleet's operational readiness, offering the adaptability to modify the number of vessels serviced based on the RCN's evolving operational requirements.

This includes supporting significant missions like Operation REASSURANCE, Canada's primary NATO assurance initiative in Central and Eastern Europe. The contract encompasses an initial five-year service period, with potential extensions of up to nineteen years.

Kingston class Coastal Defence vessels

The Kingston class vessels, operated by the Royal Canadian Navy, are a set of 12 coastal defence ships representing the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel Project (MCDV).

Launched in the 1990s, they are crewed by both Naval Reserve and Regular Force personnel. Their roles range from training reservists to minesweeping, coastal patrolling, and search and rescue operations.

Stationed on Canada's east and west coasts, they've also been deployed internationally. These vessels, with a displacement of 970 tons and a speed of 15 knots, are equipped with advanced sensors and armaments, including the capability to carry the AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma UAS.