Leonardo press release
Rome, 22 April 2021-Leonardo will supply to Lockheed Martin Canada four OTO 127/64 Light Weight (LW) Vulcano naval guns, including the Automatic Ammunition Handling System (AAHS)as an optional solution, for the new Canadian Surface Combatants(CSC), which will be built by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. at the Halifax shipyard in Nova Scotia. The first three systems will be installed on-board the new naval units, while the fourth will be used for training activities. The CSC programme’s aim is the construction of 15advanced and multi-mission combat ships as part of the broader National Shipbuilding Strategy, a long-term project focusing on the renewal of the entire Canadian fleet.
Already chosen by six navies in the last ten years, the OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano is the best performing gun system on the market, equipped with a highly flexible architecture that allows installation on all types of platforms. Its state-of-the-art technology and complete digitalization ensures continuous assistance to operators and constant support to the on-board Combat Management System (CMS) through the calculation of possible shooting solutions during mission planning.
This system is the only one in the world seamlessly integrated with the Vulcano 127mm ammunition, both in the Guided Long Range (GLR) and the Ballistic Extended Range (BER) versions. Additionally, Leonardo’s 4AP fuze for conventional ammunition ensures high operational flexibility based on its mission-specific configuration programmability features. The OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano operates effectively even in the absence of a crew, thanks to Leonardo’s AAHS solution, which guarantees automatic gun reloading by managing both Vulcano long-range precision strike and conventional ammunition simultaneously.
Leonardo’s interests and opportunities in Canada span from naval systems to helicopters to airport solutions to logistics. A trusted Canadian partner for more than 50 years, and with more than 400 employees in the country, the Company is a leading provider of products, capabilities and skill sets in the defence sector through innovative technologies and integrated services. Leonardo is strongly committed to the long-term success of Canada’s world-class defence industry and continued support and engagement with indigenous businesses. Operating in Ontario and Nova Scotia, Leonardo DRS has been a long-standing supplier of advanced naval communications, surveillance and power conversion systems to the Royal Canadian Navy for over 30 years.
This CSC contract will create a positive impact on the Canadian defence industry and its supply chain through Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy. It is planned that Leonardo DRS’ Ottawa facility will participate in the production of select system components, contributing to direct ITB commitments. Leonardo will also involve and invest in the growth of Canadian small and medium local enterprises, engaging with potential partner companies present in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces. In addition, Leonardo is also looking to structure collaborations with academic institutions.
The ambition to create value through the implementation of sustainability principles is at the core of Be Tomorrow-Leonardo 2030; the Company’s long-term plan aimed at developing new business opportunities and working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) by leveraging on technological innovation and core competencies.
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Naval News comments:
The Naval Gun Systems was one of the last weapon system that was yet to be disclosed, following the detailed information on CSC released by the Royal Canadian Navy last year. Note that the Royal Navy’s Type 26 and Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter-class will both feature the Mark 45 naval gun system by BAE Systems.
