Fincantieri and its subsidiary, Vard, have recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with partners Heddle Shipyards, Thales Canada, and SH Defense. This collaboration aims to propose the Vigilance-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) as a potential candidate for the Royal Canadian Navy.
This strategic initiative forms part of the Canadian Government’s impending naval acquisition strategy, which seeks to replace the current Kingston-class maritime coastal defense vessels.
The partners have emphasized that the Vigilance-class vessels will be fully designed, built, and equipped within Canada. These ships are expected to embody an optimal balance between versatility, modular adaptability, and size.
The Vigilance-class vessels are envisioned to be capable of functioning effectively in any operational context. This includes activities ranging from intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance to the protection of subsea infrastructure, mine countermeasures, maritime interdictions, and unmanned operations.
Fincantieri’s role in this project will be instrumental, bringing its expertise in constructing technologically advanced vessels, system integration, supply chain management, and program management to the fore.
Additionally, this agreement is anticipated to generate significant advantages for the Group companies through the provision of electronics, mechanical systems, and related components.
