Lockheed outfits Canadian frigates

Lockheed Martin Corp. will install, integrate and support new combat systems for Canadian Navy frigates under a $2 billion contract.

Under the contract, Lockheed Martin Canada will furnish a new command and control system, radar, tactical data links, electronic support measures, and other warfare capabilities for 12 Halifax-class frigates that were commissioned from 1992 to 1997, company officials said in a Nov. 10 statement. Lockheed Martin will also maintain existing command and control systems until the entire fleet has been retrofitted.

The company expects to hire 200 new employees in eastern Canada to conduct the work.

Team members include Saab Systems, Elisra, IBM Canada, CAE Professional Services, L-3 Electronic Systems and xwave.

Lockheed Martin Canada is the original manufacturer and combat systems integrator for the Halifax-class frigates. The parent company, based in Bethesda, Md., ranks No. 1 on Washington Technology's 2008 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.