UK defence and security electronic system specialist SEA has launched in Canada following its recent acquisition of defence support provider JSK Naval Support Inc (JSK), the company announced on 4 October 2023.
The wholly owned subsidiary will now be known as SEA Canada: a unified company that will leverage the collective expertise of both organisations to deliver on the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) programme, while also strategically expanding its business operations across the country.
SEA Canada will develop its skills and infrastructure resulting from work on the CSC programme, as well as increased legacy support business, and with support from SEA UK will seek to grow the maritime defence business in Canada.
JSK was originally formed via a joint venture in 2014 between SEA and Kaycom Inc and has won long-term contracts with the Canadian government, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and other suppliers for projects in Canada.
“The launch of SEA Canada marks a significant milestone in SEA’s commitment to Canadian defence while strengthening its position in the market,” the company stated in a press release, adding that it “is committed to delivering Canadian content for the CSC contract and other legacy contracts, encompassing assembly, testing, integration, and comprehensive support, with a determination to maximise the contract’s value and impact.”
SEA Canada will continue to build on JSK’s achievements and focus on expanding its Canadian support and project delivery capabilities to create Canadian value for non-Canadian businesses with contracts in the country. It will also enhance its capabilities by expanding support, repair, and refurbishment services for minor sonars and related equipment on the RCN’s Victoria-class submarines. This builds on SEA and JSK’s previous partnership and capitalises on SEA’s expertise, which mirrors its operations in the UK for the Royal Navy.
Richard Flitton, SEA’s managing director, was quoted by the company as saying, “SEA and JSK have worked together for several years and in that time we’ve developed skills and expertise in Canada through collaboration. Our creation of a full Canadian SEA subsidiary is aimed at upholding JSK’s legacy and providing the best naval technology to Canadian customers, and our commitment to do so is unwavering. We’re delighted to be bringing an incredibly skilled team under the SEA banner, and we’re looking forward to working for the betterment of Canadian defence.”
Jeff Leonard, general manager at SEA Canada, added, “We are excited to embark on this new chapter, and becoming a full subsidiary of SEA in Canada marks a significant milestone for our team and reaffirms our commitment to excellence in the Canadian defence industry. We look forward to leveraging the combined strengths and resources of both organisations to drive growth, innovation, and continued success for our valued customers and partners.”
SEA, a subsidiary of Cohort plc, has applications in ship and fleet protection, agile-platform anti-submarine warfare and integrated underwater situational awareness. SEA systems are in service with the UK Navy and multiple navies across the globe.