Remote Mine-hunting and Disposal System Contract Awarded to Kraken Robotics
Canada has 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.
“The very first item in my mandate letter is to ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces is a twenty-first century military with the capabilities, equipment and culture needed to keep Canadians safe. Today’s announcement will ensure the delivery of effective, modern equipment to the Royal Canadian Navy and help keep its members protected. Advanced mine detection and disposal tools such as those being acquired through this project will improve the safety of our vessels and our people.” The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
“I am pleased for today’s announcement of this contract award to Kraken Robotic Systems Inc. This contract demonstrates our continued commitment to provide the Royal Canadian Navy and its members with the advanced equipment they need to do their job, at the best value for Canadians.” The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement
“The Remote Mine-hunting and Disposal System will bring new and much needed capabilities to our fleets. As the characteristics of naval warfare are changing, integrating this new technology into our current fleet will enable the Navy to quickly detect and neutralize the threat of underwater mines and to increase our underwater awareness, both at home and internationally.” Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander, Royal Canadian Navy
ADDITIONAL INFO
• The total value of the two contracts is $57.9 million (taxes included).
• RMDS will enable the RCN to conduct the full spectrum of Naval Mine hunting including disposal of sea mines with autonomous and remote technology decreasing risk to our Fleet and crews.
• The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy will apply to this contract ensuring that for every dollar the government puts into this contract, a dollar goes back into Canada’s economy.
• The work under this project is critical for leveraging existing key industrial capabilities in Canada, specifically in the area of Remotely-piloted Systems and Autonomous Technologies, Sonar and Acoustic Systems, and In-service Support.
• These systems are expected to be delivered in 2024, and fully operational in 2025.
