Photo: Lockheed
For Canada, air defence is no small task. The system must be smart enough to see incoming threats early, track them with precision, pass that data to the right interceptor, and use that interceptor to “hit a bullet with a bullet” – all within minutes.
But that’s just the beginning. The system must monitor large swaths of coastline, protect population centres and critical infrastructure, and dovetail with existing NORAD systems and sensors.
The good news is Canada has a path to achieve that while simultaneously bolstering made-in-Canada innovations that protect citizens and create jobs.
Build on a Strong Foundation
Canada is home to one of the world’s most capable combat management systems, the Combat Management System 330, or CMS 330. It acts as the nerve centre across a fleet of ships, scanning for everything from threats to bad weather. When ships take action, it coordinates and deconflicts aircraft flights, defensive interceptors, and electronic countermeasures.
That operational foundation has enabled CMS 330 to extend beyond defence, forming the basis for the Coast Guard Information System and Science Management System aboard the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship – Canadian Coast Guard variant.
Developed by Lockheed Martin Canada and Canadian suppliers, CMS 330 shows how Canadian-developed systems can underpin sovereign capability while supporting trusted defence and security exports. Four other global navies trust CMS 330 for their fleets, driving allied interoperability.
A big part of CMS 330’s export success is its open architecture. It can “plug-and-play” with other radars and interceptors, meaning allies can use their existing hardware. That delivers three critical benefits:
First, CMS 330 integrates across land, sea, air and space, giving Canada a ready-made multi-domain defence system.
Second, CMS 330 is built to connect with existing and future sensors, satellites, and seekers, so Canada can plug into today’s hardware and tomorrow’s innovations with ease.
Third, it can complement existing NORAD and NATO systems, with built-in interoperability so Canada doesn’t need to spend money on extensive custom integration.
A Shield Ready for the Toughest Threats
Any air defence system must be ready to take on sophisticated threats, from swarming drones to fast-moving cruise missiles. Planning for those defences takes in-depth modeling and simulation to ensure the network can see, track, and engage threats with speed and precision.
Lockheed Martin Canada is accelerating next-generation capabilities through its Operational Analysis centre, as well as an advanced simulation centre in Ottawa. These accelerators conduct real-world mission simulations that will help decision makers identify exactly what will be required to protect Canadian interests.
Modeling those missions up front means Lockheed Martin Canada’s engineers can optimize the design of a CMS 330-based defensive shield, one that’s built on proven technology and ready for real-world operations. It also streamlines and simplifies the design and deployment process, making the development phase faster and more cost-effective.
Protect Citizens, Power the Economy
Built in Canada for Canada, CMS 330’s industry team spans a host of Canadian suppliers, including Quebec’s Infield Scientific, Ontario’s J-Squared Technologies, and British Columbia’s OSI. Lockheed Martin Canada is also teaming with suppliers from NATO allies like Germany’s Rheinmetall and Diehl Defence, and Hensel.
CMS 330 sustains hundreds of jobs in Canada and creates both a powerful deterrent and a sought-after exportable product that builds economic stability through defence contracts.
That’s a clear and proven path towards Canadian sovereignty, security, and prosperity.
