Canada frigate upgrades called 'critical'

OTTAWA, March 20 (UPI) -- General Dynamics said Monday the Halifax frigate upgrade program was "critical" for the Canadian navy.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates joined General Dynamics Canada to bid for the $1.1 billion Halifax Class Modernization-Combat Systems Integration program to upgrade Canada's fleet of 12 frigates.

"The HCM-CSI program is a generational opportunity to ensure that the Canadian Navy can continue its proud tradition of providing for Canada's security at home and showcasing Canadian maritime leadership to the world into the 21st century," said John Watts, president of General Dynamics Canada. "With the addition of MDA we further strengthen the team by adding the training tools and Canadian expertise critical to implementing this change with continuity while ensuring ongoing operational fleet availability for the Canadian Navy."

The Canadian government issued a request for proposal to upgrade the frigates, including the HCM-CSI program that will replace the command and control system and provide enhanced support to the command task group at sea. Bidding companies have 120 days to respond to the RFP.