05 Apr 06. DRS Technologies Canada Company announced today it will team with Europe’s DCN and Thales Naval France joint venture company, Armaris, to offer a solution to upgrade the Canadian Navy Halifax Frigates.
The solution is based on the Ship Enhanced Tactical Information System (SETIS) – Combat Management System (CMS), developed for the European Multi-Mission Frigate (FREMM) program. SETIS is the name of the new family of CMS that will be developed jointly by Thales Naval France and DCN for the FREMM frigates program. The SETIS-FREMM CMS incorporates the latest technologies based on international standards and experience at sea. The solution offered to the Canadian Navy makes customisation and subsystem integration work easier and guarantees long-term reliability and maintainability in Canada.
SETIS constitutes the integrated nerve centre for modern warships by gathering and analyzing data from on-board sensors or other sources, e.g. warships, aircraft (MPA, fighter, helicopter, UAV, etc.), and quickly determines a reliable tactical situation based on automatic detection, classification and identification, delivering an accurate evaluation of any threat. Appropriate means of action are selected and deployed automatically (e.g. hard and soft kill weapons) for progressive and coordinated naval action.
For this purpose, SETIS implements unique algorithms of Multi-Sensor Data Fusion, Platform and Force TEWA and Knowledge Management, and is fully interoperable with allied forces to perform all types of joint operations. SETIS is operated through a series of flat-screen Multi-Function Consoles (MFC) for the acquisition, processing, display and distribution of information needed for decisive battle action.
The agreement that will see DRS Technologies Canada bid as prime contractor and Armaris as CMS supplier and integrator combines complementary strengths to supply, integrate and support the new generation Combat Systems.
The Canadian Government intends to express its requirements through a Request For Proposal for the upgrade of twelve Halifax Class Frigates through the Halifax Modernised Command & Control System project (HMCCS Project). The first upgraded Halifax Frigate is expected to enter service in 2012. This modernization program will require expertise in Combat System development, CMS integration and testing, integrated logistics support, in-service technical support and project management.
DRS Technologies Canada will add its proven experience as naval command, control and communications equipment supplier and integrator. Armaris, through its parent companies, DCN and Thales Naval France, will bring expertise in Combat Management System integration for naval turnkey solutions and in complex project management.