The potential sale to Canada of the AEGIS Combat System, which costs more than $1.7 billion, to Canada was approved by the US State Department recently.
The integrated naval weapons system produced by Lockheed Martin, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said. The possible deal covers follow:
- four Shipsets of the AEGIS Combat System (ACS);
- one AEGIS Combat System Computer Program;
- four Shipsets of AN/SPY-7 Solid State Radar Components;
- four Shipsets of Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC); and
- three Shipsets of the MK 41 Vertical Launch System.
For the USA, improving the military capability of Canada, a NATO ally, remains an important aspect. The possible deal is also key to note that DSCA said that also included is Mode 5/S capable Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment, Defence Blog has learned. Among others, contractor representative engineering activities supporting design, integration, testing, technical documentation, modelling, and training.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada, a NATO ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress, and a contributor to military, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world,” DSCA’s announcement reads.
In addition, its notice says that this proposed sale will increase Canadian maritime forces’ interoperability with the United States and other allied forces. In addition, that will help to contribute to missions of mutual interest by delivering the first AEGIS-capable Canadian Surface Combatant.
Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded.
