Vard Marine Inc. (VARD), a Fincantieri company, is excited to share that L3Harris Technologies has been selected as a preferred supplier for Team Vigilance. This strategic partnership with preferred suppliers will enable Team Vigilance to deliver a naval solution crafted to meet the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) future fleet needs.

VIGILANCE will not only fulfill all the roles of the existing MCDV, but it will also enhance naval warfare capabilities beyond the current limitations of both the MCDV and the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels. By combining advanced capabilities with cost efficiency, VIGILANCE also preserves the life-cycle cost advantages for which VARD’s naval designs are known.

Team Vigilance mission is to provide a world-class naval solution that is Designed in Canada, built in Canada, and equipped in Canada, utilizing leading Canadian industrial partners. In conjunction with partners from Thales Canada, Ontario Shipyards, SH Defence, and Fincantieri, Team Vigilance aims to supply the RCN with a versatile military asset that is capable, globally deployable, and ready to tackle future naval challenges.

L3Harris Joins Team Vigilance as a Preferred Supplier

As a leader in designing and delivering integrated platform management systems (IPMS) — a sophisticated system for managing a ship’s propulsion, power generation and auxiliary functions — L3Harris brings a wealth of experience and technology to the VIGILANCE program.

“We are excited to join Team Vigilance and bring our industry-leading platform management systems and technology to the VIGILANCE program,” said Rich Foster, Chief Executive and Vice President, L3Harris Canada. “This collaboration represents a significant opportunity for L3Harris to contribute to the RCN’s modernization efforts and further solidify our commitment to advancing Canada’s naval capabilities. We look forward to playing a key role in this important national initiative.”

L3Harris’ IPMS, a proven technology, has been a critical enabler for the RCN. IPMS is embedded in all current and future RCN vessels, ensuring efficient and reliable ship platform management across the fleet. Originally developed as part of the Canadian Patrol Frigate (CPF) program, this robust and proven system continues to be integral to the operational success of the RCN and remains at the core of its modernization efforts.

Beyond the IPMS, L3Harris offers a range of solutions across various fields, including advanced communications, electronic warfare, surveillance and cybersecurity. These capabilities will be crucial to ensuring that VIGILANCE provides the RCN with the modern, secure, and interoperable systems needed to protect Canada’s interests both at home and abroad.

VIGILANCE will equip the RCN and the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve sailors with advanced tools, leveraging the expertise and innovation of Canadian industry. L3Harris, a vital player in Canada’s industrial and manufacturing heartland, is key to this effort. Through this partnership, VIGILANCE will contribute to the development of a truly sovereign naval capability, strengthening Canada’s shipbuilding value chain and driving economic growth across the nation.

Derek Buxton, Vice President of Business Development at VARD Marine Canada Inc., said, “Having L3Harris join Team Vigilance as a preferred supplier is a significant step forward in ensuring that VIGILANCE is equipped with the best technologies available. Their leadership in IPMS will ensure that the RCN receives a flexible, modern and highly capable naval asset. We strive to achieve the same level of national ambition that existed in Canada during the CPF program in the 1990s, and with the addition of L3Harris to our team, we are one step closer to that goal.”

As part of its ongoing efforts, Team Vigilance continues to expand its coalition of Canadian industry partners, ensuring that VIGILANCE will be designed, built and equipped in Canada. The team is committed to fostering strong domestic capabilities and supporting Canadian innovation.