Babcock has been awarded a six-year extension of the Victoria In-Service Support Contract, keeping the company as prime contractor for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Victoria-class submarine sustainment, with the potential to extend all the way to the fleet’s end of life.

Why it matters: This is Canada’s only industry-led submarine sustainment program, and Babcock has run it for more than 18 years. The extension locks in continuity as Canada eventually shifts to a new submarine fleet.

The deal: A multi-year extension of the VISSC, with room to grow into a long-term arrangement that carries the current fleet through retirement.

What they’re saying: Tony March, CEO of Babcock Canada: “Supporting the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy with a safe and capable submarine fleet is something Babcock is hugely proud of, and this contract extension continues our longstanding partnership and delivery of this important sovereign and strategic capability. The extension builds on our core position as Canada’s submarine sustainment partner delivering world-class support and will drive enhanced outcomes for the existing Victoria-class fleet. It will also enable Canada’s submarine sustainment enterprise to achieve a smooth transition to Canada’s future submarine capability.”

By the numbers: $3.2 billion in GDP impact since 2008. More than 1,500 jobs sustained annually. Over 450 Canadian suppliers in the mix.

The big picture: Babcock says its work extends beyond the contract itself, touching universities, colleges, Indigenous communities, and small and medium businesses through training and skills development.

What’s next: Babcock is positioning itself for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, arguing its VISSC track record means its workforce and supply chain will already be ready when the new fleet arrives in the 2030s. Same partner, longer runway. Babcock is betting today’s submarine work becomes tomorrow’s submarine contract too.