Lockheed Martin Canada congratulates the Royal New Zealand Navy on the arrival of HMNZS Te Kaha in Devonport, New Zealand, following modernization upgrades at Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards in British Columbia. As the prime systems integrator, Lockheed Martin Canada was responsible for integrating the upgraded systems on two ANZAC Class Frigates. HMNZS Te Kaha was equipped with Lockheed Martin Canada’s CMS 330 combat management system, as well as a new suite of sensors and weapons, providing the ship’s crew with superior capabilities and advanced protection for a variety of modern naval operations.
“The arrival of HMNZS Te Kaha after her combat system upgrade is a significant milestone for the Royal New Zealand Navy. It is hugely satisfying to see Te Kaha sail into the beautiful Waitematā harbour in time for Christmas. This has been a complex project, with many challenges - including a global pandemic. The New Zealand and Lockheed Martin Canada teams have worked very closely together to get to this point,” said Sarah Minson, Project Director, New Zealand Ministry of Defence. “In large complex projects like this it is essential to have good people and an integrated approach.”
“Lockheed Martin Canada has a proud history of producing, integrating and delivering combat management systems for sea-based mission platforms,” said Gary Fudge, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary and Mission Systems. “Our team optimized the system with New Zealand’s ship design, ensuring the Royal New Zealand Navy has the capability to execute missions that meet their strategic naval objectives. The CMS 330 combat management system was developed in Canada, by Canadians. It has created and sustained economic opportunities in communities across the country, where a number of jobs are being supported in Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Victoria through the software and hardware design, engineering, production, and testing of the advanced technology.”
Lockheed Martin Canada’s CMS 330 will serve as the backbone of three new ship classes in Canada for the next 40+ years; the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, Joint Support Ships, and Canadian Surface Combatants. In addition to New Zealand, it is also being integrated on three Chilean Navy ships, strengthening the partnership and naval interoperability between the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Armada de Chile and the Royal Canadian Navy.
“Our continued partnership with the Royal New Zealand Navy in delivering this modernized capability is something we are very proud of”, Fudge continued. “Supporting six classes of ships across three different navies, the Canadian pedigree and demonstrated interoperability between allied countries will propel further growth for our team and extended Canadian supply chain.”
Lockheed Martin Canada continues to work with Canadian and New Zealand partners to deliver this critical new capability, while supporting local jobs and creating enduring economic opportunities.
