Ultra Maritime to Equip Canada’s River-Class Destroyers with Advanced Torpedo Defense

Ultra Maritime has secured a CA$89 million contract from Lockheed Martin Canada to supply three shipsets of Surface Ship Torpedo Defense (SSTD) systems for the Royal Canadian Navy’s River-class destroyers. This contract further strengthens Ultra Maritime’s role in enhancing Canada’s naval defense capabilities against underwater threats.

A Powerful Defense Against Torpedo Threats

The SSTD system provides a comprehensive “sense to effect” torpedo defense solution, widely used by navies worldwide. It combines advanced threat detection with automated alerting, ensuring a high probability of detecting incoming torpedoes while minimizing false alarms. The system also features a single in-line tow, which offers effective protection without occupying excessive space on the ship.

With more than 20 years of experience in torpedo defense, Ultra Maritime has supplied similar systems to numerous navies globally. The company has deployed over 30,000 expendable countermeasures and continues to refine its technology to offer integrated solutions for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing torpedo threats.

Strengthening Canada’s Naval Capabilities

Ultra Maritime’s partnership with Lockheed Martin Canada has been instrumental in advancing Canada’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. In addition to the latest SSTD contract, the company previously secured an order to supply Hull Mounted Sonars (HMS) for the River-class destroyers and delivered 12 UWSU towed arrays for the Halifax-class frigates.

John Gallagher, Vice President and General Manager of Ultra Maritime Canada, emphasized the significance of this contract, stating, “We take great pride in supporting the Royal Canadian Navy by delivering life-saving capabilities. Our partnership with Lockheed Martin Canada and the Canadian defense sector strengthens our commitment to providing cutting-edge ASW solutions.”

Steve Rogers, Senior Director of RCD Programs at Ultra Maritime, echoed this sentiment, noting that the SSTD contract marks a major milestone for the company as it enters 2025. With its expertise spanning multiple global operations, Ultra Maritime is well-positioned to execute the program effectively.

Boosting Canada’s Defense Industry

The River-class destroyer program and Canada’s Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) policy have provided Ultra Maritime with the opportunity to establish an ASW Center of Excellence in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This initiative has contributed significantly to Canada’s economic and technological landscape.

Ultra Maritime has invested over $20 million in capital, creating more than 150 high-value manufacturing jobs and supporting a wide network of suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises. The company’s continued innovation in ASW technology not only enhances the Royal Canadian Navy’s capabilities but also drives local economic growth.

With the new SSTD systems set to be integrated into the River-class destroyers, Canada is taking a decisive step toward strengthening its naval defense against evolving underwater threats. Ultra Maritime’s proven expertise and commitment to innovation ensure that the Royal Canadian Navy remains well-equipped to protect its waters.