During CANSEC 2023, the most important Canadian exhibition in the Defense sector, Fincantieri and its subsidiary Vard signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Heddle Shipyards, Thales Canada and SH Defense, to establish the collaboration that will propose the Vigilance Class Offshore Patrol Vessel as part of the Government of Canada’s forthcoming naval acquisition strategy to replace the
Kingston Class maritime coastal defence vessels.

The Team Vigilance partner companies jointly bring vast and impressive capabilities and expertise in naval ship design and construction, both in Canada and worldwide, in combat system integration, and and life-cycle solutions.

Fincantieri’s contribution will be strategic, providing its leadership in the construction of high-tech ships, system integration, supply chain and program management. The agreement will also benefit the Group companies thanks to the supply of electronics, mechanical systems and components.

Thanks to the transfer of knowledge and technologies, Fincantieri is ready to provide a significant contribution to shipbuilding in Canada, to equip the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve with the cutting-edge tools to protect Canada’s national interests.

Tailored to the needs of the Royal Canadian Navy’s future fleet, the Vigilance Class will be designed, built, and equipped in Canada. The ships will strike the balance between flexibility, modular adaptability, and size. They will be able to operate in any type of scenario, from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to subsea infrastructure protection, mine counter measures, maritime interdiction and unmanned operations.