Milestone achieved in Frigate modernization program

OTTAWA, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin Canada reports its planned update of New Zealand Navy frigates has successfully passed its combat system critical design review.

The government-required review validated all the company's planning for the frigates' shipboard systems and designs, paving the way for their implementation, Lockheed Martin said.

Lockheed Martin Canada was contracted by New Zealand 16 months ago to modernize two ANZAC-class frigates. The foundation for the modernization will be the company's Combat Management System 330, the backbone for many of the sub-systems to be supplied for the project.

Many of those sub-systems are common to the Royal Canadian Navy's Halifax-class ship modernization project.

"I continue to be impressed with Lockheed Martin Canada's flexibility, responsiveness and pragmatic approach to achieving a successful outcome for both parties," said Gary Collier, New Zealand Ministry of Defense project director. "We are pleased to have Lockheed Martin Canada as the prime contractor and partner for this critical project for New Zealand's Ministry of Defense and the Royal New Zealand Navy."