NAVAL SUPPLIERS SUMMIT REPORT
A select group of contractors provide an update on their contributions to key Canadian naval programs
Since 2010, Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) has been revitalizing the Nation’s shipbuilding industry by investing in the construction of ships for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). With delivery of the Arctic Offshore Patrols Ships (AOPS) nearing completion and the River Class Destroyers now under construction, attention has turned towards new endeavours. New programs like the Canadian Patrols Submarine Project (CPSP) and the Canadian Multi-Mission Corvette (CMC) project are ramping up.
READ: NSS Update – National Shipbuilding Strategy
While the acquisition of new vessels remains a strong focus for the RCN, other priorities include Naval Communications Modernization, Remote & Autonomous systems (such as AOPS UAS and RCN ISTAR) and Counter-Drone systems.
For this feature, the 12th iteration of the Naval Suppliers Summit, CDR has invited executives from a select group of key suppliers to weigh in on what capabilities their respective companies have on offer for current and future Naval requirements.
Here is our report.
Top Executive: James Davies, President & CEO
Tagline: N/C
With the award of a $3.25 billion contract to build the Polar Max, Davie has entered a new chapter; one that reshapes Canada’s shipbuilding and procurement process, strengthens its sovereign presence in the Arctic, and opens new horizons for the Canadian Coast Guard.
This next-generation polar icebreaker will be the largest and most capable vessel of its kind ever built in Canada. Designed to operate in the most extreme conditions on earth, Polar Max will enable year-round Arctic access, support national defence and scientific operations, and reinforce Canada’s commitment to climate resilience and regional security. For the Canadian Coast Guard, it represents a critical enabler of future operations in the North, extending reach, enhancing interoperability, and supporting logistical missions across vast icebound waters.
What makes this project truly transformational for Canada is its innovative manufacturing process and delivery model. By combining the strengths of Québec’s Davie Shipyard with Finland’s renowned Helsinki Shipyard acquired by Davie in 2023, the Polar Max will be built faster, better and more affordably. Helsinki has built over half of the world’s icebreakers; now, that expertise will be shared directly with Canadian workers through an agile workforce exchange, expediting delivery and strengthening domestic shipbuilding.
This is not just a vessel: it’s a national asset and a powerful symbol of Canada’s ability to deliver world-class shipbuilding in support of Arctic sovereignty. And it’s not just a new way to contract: it’s a model for how commercial productivity can be harnessed to deliver best value for taxpayers while bringing lasting efficiency to Canadian shipbuilding.
Polar Max is already shaping tomorrow’s shipbuilding ecosystem. The modernization of Lévis, combined with supplier ramp-up across Québec, will deliver long-term economic benefits and readiness for future Canadian Coast Guard’s missions.
Top Executive: Joel Houde, Vice President & General Manager
Tagline: DOMINATE THE DEPTHS
General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada is a key partner to the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force equipping Canada’s maritime patrol assets with world-class, Canadian-made airborne and naval sonar systems for decades.
With rising geopolitical tensions and the growing strategic relevance of regions like the Arctic, navies worldwide are looking to achieve underwater warfare advantage. This upper hand ultimately comes down to the ability to take a lot of data, process it quickly, and act before an adversary does. Leveraging our fully integrated sonar sensor suite – including sonobuoy processing, towed array, hull-mounted, and torpedo intercept sonars – the RCN’s Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade has recently demonstrated exactly that through successful sea trials.
READ: GDMS: DEFEND IT or LOSE IT
In the air, our airborne sonobuoy processing systems further extend Canada’s maritime surveillance capabilities and enable real-time anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations on platforms like the RCAF’s CH-148 Cyclone and CP-140 Aurora. Platform- and sensor-agnostic, they integrate across crewed and uncrewed assets, enabling distributed collaborative operations with multinational partners.
The sonar systems developed for Canada have become an export success story resulting in significant economic benefit for Canada. Our solutions are offering capability overmatch on modernization programs like the Portuguese Air Force’s P-3C Orion aircraft, on uncrewed systems like the MQ-9 Seaguardian, and on next-generation platforms like the Netherlands’ new ASW Frigates and the UK’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
Our Centre of Excellence for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems in Sherbrooke, Québec is leading innovation in uncrewed maritime security, including the ENVOY Remotely Piloted Helicopter. We are investing in R&D, exploring the use of AI as a digital assistant for planning sonar operations and the detection and classification of underwater threats. Meanwhile, successful USV sea trials of our miniaturized towed low frequency active sonar are opening the door for long-range ASW detection and tracking.
From platform to platform, across all domains, our made-in-Canada mission systems have a critical role to play in ensuring Canada remains strong, secure, and has sovereign control over critical technology now and into the future.
Top Executive: Gina Pecore, CEO
Tagline: PROCUREMENT MUST PRIORITIZE CANADIAN COMPANIES
With defence spending and sovereignty concerns at their highest levels since World War II, now is the time to reinforce a critical message: Canada has the skills, experience, and capacity to meet the complex needs of our Coast Guard and military – right here at home.
A recent Globe and Mail headline reads, “Shipbuilding, aerospace to be priorities in federal strategy to transform defence sector.” The article highlights the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, with a powerful quote from Industry Minister Mélanie Joly: “We cannot have a military that is dependent on a manufacturing sector that is either on the other side of the ocean or south of the border.” Minister Joly is absolutely right.
From Genoa Design’s perspective, it would be a mistake to overlook the progress made under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Despite its challenges, the Strategy has revitalized a once-dormant industry, generated billions in GDP, and created thousands of jobs. NSS shows what can be accomplished when we put our collective minds to solving a complex supply problem.
As a leading provider of production design and 3D modelling for complex ships, Genoa is just one example of the world-class capabilities available in Canada. We have the expertise, the infrastructure, and the partnerships to scale up and support new defence initiatives. And we’re not alone – thousands of Canadian companies form a robust, innovative defence supply chain.
Yet, at a recent CANSEC presentation on the new Defence Industrial Strategy, some Canadian firms expressed frustration that it’s easier to sell their products internationally than domestically. That should never be the case.
With increased NATO commitments and global instability driving new defence investments, Canada must ensure that domestic suppliers are not just included – but prioritized. We have the talent, the tools, and the track record. We now need a proper procurement system that supports that goal. Canada is open for business. Let’s make sure that business stays Canadian.
Top Executive: Pierre-Charles Drapeau, President
Tagline: N/A
InnovMarine powers the future of shipbuilding, sustainment, and vessel maintenance. With a clear focus on enabling the digital shipyard, InnovMarine delivers digital solutions tailored to meet Canada’s needs for current and future defence programs. These technologies ensure that customers can access critical data to make faster, more informed decisions throughout the vessel lifecycle.
Key tools in InnovMarine’s portfolio include ShipConstructor, QuickBrain, CMPIC, and IBM’s watsonx AI suite. Together, they streamline ship design and production, managing complex cable and documentation systems with precision, and apply AI to maintenance data for rapid defect analysis and classification. For example, the integration of watsonx AI into their platforms has reduced defect analysis time from hours to minutes, while improving accuracy, an outcome that resonates directly with operational readiness and effectiveness.
READ MORE: InnovMarine – Powering the CAF with Next-Gen Software Solutions
InnovMarine also supports RCN programs through consulting and training services, ensuring their solutions are not only implemented effectively but also adapted to the specific challenges of defence shipbuilding. The company’s new operating unit, InnovConsultants, provides strategic expertise in navigating Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, positioning InnovMarine/InnovConsultants as a strategic partner for the industry’s evolving needs and strengthening Canada’s defence industrial base.
Looking ahead, InnovMarine remains committed to integrating advanced technologies such as AI into its offerings and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance its support for RCN programs. With a focus on data efficiency, mission readiness, and sustainability, InnovMarine is proud to contribute to the success of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and the future of Canadian naval defence.
Design faster. Build better. Maintain smarter – with InnovMarine!
Top Executive: Richard Foster, Corporate Vice President, Canada
Tagline: PROUDLY NAVIGATING CANADA’S SEAS FOR OVER 40 YEARS
For over six decades, L3Harris Technologies, one of Canada’s largest and most diverse defence and security companies, has delivered advanced and innovative solutions across all domains. L3Harris stands as the premier provider for current and future naval programs, playing a strategic and pivotal role in Canada’s naval industry.
As a key player in Canada’s defence industry, L3Harris has been a trusted partner of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for over 40 years, competitively selected to provide solutions for every vessel in the fleet, as well as new builds under the Canadian National Shipbuilding Strategy. This includes the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, the Canadian Coast Guard, Joint Support Ship, Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel and the River-class destroyer.
The River-class destroyer is one of Canada’s largest defence programs, and the team has made significant contributions to advancing the platform forward for future mission requirements. L3Harris has been involved since the program’s inception, playing a major role in developing the IPMS, controls and instrumentation, electro-optical infrared sensors suite, integrating the internal and external communication systems, and delivering the torpedo stowage and handling system.
Our team is prepared to support the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project and Canadian Corvette programs with our IPMS, ICS, EW, and other maritime capabilities, leveraging our highly skilled and specialized Canadian workforce. L3Harris continues to build a strong legacy of success in Canada through its commitment to innovation, research and development investments, and through the dedication of our skilled and talented Canadian workforce. The company takes great pride in being part of the naval team, alongside its partners and stakeholders, and is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the success of the ships that are essential to Canada’s security and global standing.
Top Executive: Glenn Copeland, General Manager Lockheed Martin Canada RMS
Tagline: AHEAD OF READY
Headquartered in Ottawa, Lockheed Martin Canada is the Canadian entity of Lockheed Martin Corporation, a global security and aerospace company that employs some 121,000 people worldwide. Lockheed Martin has supported Canada’s national security needs for over 80 years, specializing in the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. Approximately 1000 employees at major facilities in Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Calgary, and Victoria work on a wide range of major programs spanning the naval, aerospace, land defence, and commercial sectors.
Through the sustainment of thousands of highly skilled Canadian jobs, we support national economic growth and deliver world-leading innovation. Drawing on a diverse and broad-based supply chain across each region of the country, Lockheed Martin solutions play a critical role in supporting Canada’s military and the broader industrial base. The unmatched capabilities brought to programs like the future River-class Destroyer, CC-130J sustainment, and the global F-35 supply chain are redefining Canada’s national security while increasing interoperability with NORAD and NATO allies.
Whether enforcing sovereignty in Canadian waters, operating in an international threat environment, or engaging in humanitarian or disaster relief Lockheed Martin’s advanced, Canadian-designed Combat Management System 330 (CMS 330) delivers. Innovation was at the forefront of the CMS 330 solution for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). CMS 330 provides crews with advanced capabilities including superb response times through decision algorithms while offering unmatched integration and flexibility.
Designed and developed to meet the unique needs of Canada, the system allows RCN crews to counter threats effectively and more efficiently, wherever they appear. Our technology is found on six classes of ships across four international navies and is continually being designed for an even broader range of possibilities. This world-recognized capability will permit the addition of future features and responsiveness to lead the changing landscape of 21st Century Security.
Top Executive: Pablo Menendez, Business Development Director, Americas
Tagline: N/A
Navantia, Spain’s state-owned shipbuilder, is offering the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) the most advanced conventional submarine in service within NATO today – the S-80. Purpose-built for modern threats, the S-80 combines cutting-edge technologies with unmatched interoperability, making it the only European platform that meets both the technical and timeline requirements of Canada’s Patrol Submarine Program (CPSP).
Backed by a whole-of-nation commitment from Spain—including the Spanish Navy and government—with an active production line, Navantia’s proposal for CPSP offers Canada a strategic partnership with cost certainty and an accelerated delivery schedule well ahead of CPSP timelines.
The S-80 is a proven, modern platform. The lead boat, S-81 Isaac Peral, is in operational service with the Spanish Navy and joined NATO operations in 2025. The second-in-class, S-82, will soon be launched, with S-83 and S-84 already under construction.
Designed for performance and sustainability, the S-80 class features a third-generation Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system that permits submerged operations for up to 21 days. The submarine is highly automated, supporting its operation with a reduced crew of 32. The open-architecture design of the platform also enables seamless integration of new technologies, and several of its systems are scheduled for upgrades to ensure continuous capability enhancement.
Navantia brings a proven ability to build domestic industrial capability. From Spain to Australia, Norway, and the UK, we’ve developed sovereign capacity, created high-skilled jobs, and transferred critical know-how. With the S-80, Canada will be able to acquire an advanced submarine capability while providing numerous opportunities for early integration of Canadian industry in Navantia’s supply chain, sustainment, and training, and helping to build long-term defence capabilities in Canada.
The S-80 is ready today and built to evolve for tomorrow.
Top Executive: Leo Martin, Senior Vice President – Programs
Tagline: BUILDING & MAINTAINING CANADA’S FLEET
Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan Shipyards has rebuilt Canada’s shipbuilding industry on the West Coast and is an integral partner to both the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. We continue to build new ships for Canada, while modernizing and repairing their current fleet.
At Vancouver Shipyards, we launched two ships in 2024: the Coast Guard’s new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, and HMCS Protecteur, the Navy’s new Joint Support Ship — both incredible milestones for the NSS, Seaspan, and our pan-Canadian supply chain. The OOSV is slated for delivery by the end of the summer, and the JSS will enter sea trials later this year.
Also at our Vancouver Shipyards, where we now boast North America’s leading icebreaking design and engineering capability. Construction has begun on the new made-in-Canada heavy Polar Icebreaker — a critical capability for Canada that will contribute to Canada’s Arctic sovereignty ensuring we have a year-round presence in the North.
In Victoria, where our team continues to refit and modernize Canada’s frigates and submarines, we completed our second full Docking Work Period under the Halifax-Class Work Period contract, delivering HMCS Calgary back to the Navy. It received a range of engineering upgrades, equipment installations, and preventative and corrective maintenance, all in support of the Royal Canadian Navy’s goal of ensuring the frigates remain operationally available and relevant through to the end of their service life.
2025 is a pivotal year for Seaspan and for the Canadian defence community. We now have a sovereign large shipbuilding capability delivering complex ships on both coasts – now is the time to leverage that expertise to deliver Canada’s defence needs and sustain it for decades to come.
Top Executive: Ian Krepps, CEO
Tagline: N/A
Thales Canada, its suppliers, and the Royal Canadian Navy are collaborating to deliver on the commitment to provide materiel ready ships to the RCN on time, every time, enabled by relational contracting principles under the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and Joint Support Ships (AJISS) Program. A recent example that Thales and the AJISS enterprise are particularly proud of is HMCS Margaret Brooke’s successful scientific mission to the Antarctic, and the crew’s accomplishment of breaking ice in the Arctic and Antarctic within the same 12-month period. Next month, HMCS Max Bernays is conducting helicopter operations and preparing to depart from Esquimalt for an extended mission to the North and the Far East.
READ: BluMetric Announces $3.8 Million WaterTech Contract with Thales Canada to Upgrade RCN Ships
By prioritizing customer value, Thales implements a managing contract, meaning they don’t turn the wrenches, subcontractors perform the maintenance. Work is taking place on the ships alongside the Navy’s dockyards in Halifax and Esquimalt; in Ottawa at Thales Headquarters; in local engineering design shops; at shipyards for dockings; and with suppliers across the country. This approach delivers value to Canada by fostering economic resilience, distributing high-value jobs across the country, and developing a skilled workforce at Thales and its supplier network and in the fleet maintenance facilities.
HMCS Harry DeWolf is coming off operations to sail to Chantier Davie for a competitively-bid docking. The supplier base is expanding and diversifying; systems and equipment are entering third line repair and overhaul; and Thales is implementing new capabilities, which is a testament to our agility to respond to emerging customer requirements. An incredible supplier opportunity is on the horizon. Thales is currently reaching out to industry to expand (double) its supplier and service provider’s base, for the support of the first JSS Joint Support Ship, expected in-service in 2026.
Top Executive: Rick Gerbrecht, President & CEO
Tagline: REBRANDING – WE ARE TKMS – YOUR MARITIME POWERHOUSE
On the 4th of June, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) celebrated the start of a new phase in the company’s development with the launch of a new brand – TKMS and a new claim “Your Maritime Powerhouse.” TKMS, a global leader in the design and construction of non-nuclear submarines, is actively pursuing Canada’s requirement for up to 12 conventionally powered, long-endurance submarines under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). A representational office in Ottawa was opened during CANSEC 2025 to demonstrate our commitment to this national undertaking.
TKMS Canada is also engaged to shape future naval capability today. Openness, collaboration and the drive for change motivates us to realize global impact solutions with direct benefit to the RCN as exemplified in our Seaspider Anti-Torpedo Torpedo development. Accepted by the European Defence Agency for oversight, we have commenced integrated project team effort in the certification and qualification of the entire effector spanning the next two-to-three-year period. This process will realize a much sought after underwater hard kill capability with a ‘Made-in-Canada’ munitions sub-section supporting advancement in the objectives of both the national Munitions Supply Program (MSP) and point defence ASW capability.
READ: Canada identifies TKMS and Hanwha Ocean as the 2 qualified suppliers for CPSP
Ongoing service of our OSPREY III Post Mission Analysis system (ADAC Halifax), HF Radio system/NVIS Antennae Group (AOPS) and the ODIN/TMSS simulation systems (CFMWC) demonstrate solutions that the RCN can employ with confidence knowing that several NATO and Allied navies are end users and operational experience can be leveraged within a ‘unity of effort’ community.
With the provision of our baseline design of the Class 702 Combat Support Ship, a ‘Canadianized’ JSS with a proven ‘in-the water,’ NATO-standard design, is nearing operational acceptance. With the breath and scope of the TKMS Group, we are now setting our sights on supporting the greater Federal Marine Fleet with proven COTS and MOTS solutions.
READ: TKMS – Producing Advanced Submarines for NATO
TKMS Canada is a small company but we are supported by a fully collaborative global group to support CANADA with strength in product interoperability and interchangeability.
Top Executive: Derek Buxton, Vice President Business Development
Tagline: N/A
Vard Marine is a naval architecture and marine engineering firm headquartered in Canada, with offices in the U.S., Poland, and Vietnam. We design a wide range of vessels for both commercial and government clients and are one of the few firms globally with deep expertise in icebreaker and ice-classed vessel design, backed by over 42 years of experience.
In Canada, Vard Marine has contributed to nine of the ten major National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) programs. We are the designers of record for the Canadian Coast Guard’s Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel and played a major role in the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel program, both key to Canada’s scientific fleet modernization.
READ: Autonomy by Design: Vard Marine – Uncrewed Systems
As a partner to the Royal Canadian Navy, we designed the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels (VARD 7 100 ICE), known for their exceptional ice performance and range, reinforcing Canadian Arctic sovereignty. This program and the Chilean Navy icebreaker Almirante Viel, also designed by Vard Marine, are the world’s two most contemporary icebreaker deliveries.
We are the designer of record for Canada’s most powerful conventional polar icebreaker, the future CCGS Arpatuuq, based on the VARD 9 206 baseline design.
At CANSEC 2023, we launched Team Vigilance with Ontario Shipyards, Thales Canada, SH Defence, and Fincantieri, proposing a “designed in Canada, built in Canada, equipped in Canada” solution to replace the Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels—supporting Canadian industry and jobs.
Globally, Vard Marine is engaged in six active newbuild naval programs around the world. In North America, we are collaborating closely with our allies, the US Navy and Coast Guard, on various projects, including the LUSV, the Offshore Patrol Cutter, various design studies, the LCU 1700, hospital ship, and submarine tender programs. We are also pursuing future icebreaker programs in the US.
