Today, Minister of National Defence Anita Anand, on behalf of Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada, Helena Jaczek, announced the award of two contracts for new equipment designed to improve the safety and security of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships and crews.
The two contracts for the Remote Mine-hunting and Disposal System (RMDS), valued at up to $57.9 million (taxes included), were awarded to Kraken Robotic Systems Inc. of Mount Pearl, N.L. These new systems will enable the Royal Canadian Navy to identify and destroy sea mines and underwater improvised explosive devices, while also ensuring the safety of its crews. The RMDS will be used primarily on Kingston-class vessels and can be used on other RCN ships to support a wide range of operations as required. This capability, once implemented, will protect Canadian warships deployed overseas where the mine threat is assessed as high.
The RMDS are expected to be fully operational in 2025. The first contract, with an estimated value of $45.8M (taxes included), is for two newly-designed RMDS for the RCN on Canada's east and west coasts. The second contract, valued at $12.1M (taxes included), is for continued In-Service Support for the RMDS.
As outlined in Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is committed to providing the RCN with the modern equipment it needs to maintain critical operational maritime capabilities.
