American defence supplier BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to produce a new naval gun system for the Royal Canadian Navy.
According to the agreement, the six guns will be modified 25mm Mk 38 Machine Guns. Featuring high-accuracy targeting and surveillance systems as well as protection against harsh weather conditions, the MK 38 is perfectly suited for the Navy’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) program.
The contract comes from Canada’s own Irving Shipbuilding. It is their shipyard in Halifax where the boats themselves will be constructed. In accordance with the AOPS program, six vessels will be deployed to patrol the Arctic and support sovereignty and surveillance operations.
“We will be working very closely with Canadian industry on this program,” said Joseph Senftle, vice president and general manager of Weapons Systems at BAE Systems. “BAE Systems is currently selecting its Canadian partners to participate not only in the build of these naval gun systems, but also to join our Mk 38 global supply chain. This will help bring sustained economic value to Canada as part of the AOPS program.”
The contract will also cover spare parts, technical support and long-term field support services. BAE Systems hopes to deliver the system in 2017, following with annual deliveries through to 2021.