The German Navy is modernizing its surface ships with new combat systems from Canada worth more than one billion euros. Germany purchased the CMS 330 system from Canada’s Lockheed Martin, forming the ship’s “IT heart” as the command and weapons deployment system (FüWES), the two countries announced on Monday.
The relevant government agreement was signed on November 14, according to a statement from the Bundeswehr. The project was intended to standardize previously disparate IT systems on German ships and vessels. FüWES connects the ship’s operational and technical subsystems.
This system was originally developed and used by the Canadian Navy. “This project marks an important milestone for the technological standardization and digital future viability of the maritime armed forces together with Canada’s NATO partners,” said the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw). Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said: “The German Navy’s choice of the CMS 330 is a testament to our world-class defense technology and the value of government-to-government agreements.”
According to information, cooperation with Canada’s NATO partners includes not only purchases but also joint development, cost sharing and operational cooperation, which is intended to strengthen interoperability within NATO. The project is designed to last about 25 years. The first ships and boats are scheduled to be converted starting in 2027. In the long term, all existing and future surface units will be equipped with the system.
