Upgraded Weapon System will give Canadian Navy protection against advanced missile technology, UAVs and small fast boats

Photo by George Csukly for Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre

June 26, 2014 By David Pugliese Defence Watch

The Canadian government is looking at joining an international effort to upgrade naval missiles to deal with future threats.

The Canadian navy started using the Sea Sparrow missile in the 1970s on its ships, before purchasing the upgraded Evolved Sea Sparrow in 2005. That purchase cost around $500 million, according to figures provided by the Department of National Defence.

The new effort, led by the U.S., will focus on improving the Evolved Sea Sparrow so it can operate until 2030.

The weapon is now designed to protect ships from incoming missiles as well as attacks by aircraft. The U.S., Canada, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Thailand and Turkey all use the Evolved Sea Sparrow.

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