Canada’s defence policy, “Strong, Secure, Engaged” (SSE), has committed to investing in 15 Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) ships. These ships will be Canada’s major surface component of maritime combat power. With its effective warfare capability and versatility, it can be deployed rapidly anywhere in the world, either independently or as part of a Canadian or international coalition. The CSC will be able to deploy for many months with a limited logistic footprint.The CSC will be able to conduct a broad range of tasks, including:Delivering decisive combat power at sea;Supporting the Canadian Armed Forces, and Canada’s Allies ashore;Conducting counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, interdiction and embargo operations for medium intensity operations; andDelivering humanitarian aid, search and rescue, law and sovereignty enforcement for regional engagements.The acquisition is for 15 ships to replace both the retired Iroquois-class destroyers and the serving Halifax-class frigates. The construction of the first CSC vessel is expected to begin in 2023/2024 and the project closeout is expected to occur in the 2040 timeframe. To minimize risk to this project, the Government of Canada places emphasis on value for money, open and effective competition, ethics and fair dealing, accountability and reporting, and equity and affordability.As a core capability of this class of ship, the CSC will have the LM ExLS launcher which was selected and purchased by Lockheed Martin Canada (LMCa) through the direct commercial sales process, approved by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI), and the Government of Canada. This RFI is for information pertaining to all types of munitions produced that are designed be launched from the LM ExLS launcher. This RFI was jointly prepared by ISI, LMCa and the Government of Canada.
